Effects of secondary β and γ phases on the work function properties of Cu-Be alloys

The work functions of Cu-2.7Be and Cu-2.0Be (wt%) alloys were measured using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and their dependence on secondary phase characteristics (composition and distribution) was investigated. The work function properties were significantly altered when the Be content was increased from 2.0 to 2.7 wt%, which was attributed to the introduction of secondary phases (beta and gamma) in the alloys with higher Be content. Furthermore, the distribution of secondary phases may also have influenced the gradients of the work function curves measured by UPS.