The Influence of Ag on the Microstructure and Properties of Cu-Ni-Si Alloys

The influence of the mass concentration of Ag on properties of Cu-Ni alloys is investigated. The effect of silver addition on the structure and properties of Cu-2Ni-1Si alloys is determined. The scientific aim of this research is to determine how the addition of silver affects the mechanisms of strengthening silver-modified supersaturated, deformed, and aged Cu-2Ni-1Si alloys. The applied thermo-derivative analysis has allowed us to determine a range of the temperature values for the beginning and the end of crystallization, the phases and eutectics, and the effects of the modification on the solid fraction of the solidified alloy. In addition to the crystallization kinetics, the microstructure morphology, mechanical properties under real operating conditions, and the electrical conductivity have also been investigated. Moreover, the conducted research includes the impact of heat treatment and plastic deformation on the alloy structure and considers the type, share, and distribution of the intermetallic phases and structural stresses caused by coherent phases, as well as the effect of dislocations in the reinforcing phases during aging. Electron microscopy (SEM), micro-area analysis (EDS), optical microscopy, hardness measurements, and conductivity of the tested alloys are utilized to comment on these properties.