Microstructure evolution in directionally solidifying Cu-17 at.% Al eutectic alloy

An attempt of direct solidification (DS) of Cu-17 at. %Al eutectic alloy is presented in the paper. The chosen alloy belongs to the copper-rich eutectic region in the Cu–Al phase diagram. The alloy was remelted and solidified in a vertical furnace of Bridgman type with a moving crystallization zone. Thus, the expected structure will result in an arranged distribution of two phases in the bulk of the material. However, due to cooling the mentioned alloy down to room temperature, the phase transformations occur according to the respective phase diagram, including β phase decomposition through eutectoid and peritectoid reactions. The crystallized material consisted of the following phases α solution and γ1 (Cu9Al4) phase. Structure observations, determination of the formed phases and texture analysis of the obtained material are described. Mechanical properties received from a tensile test are also included.