# Co-Deformation Process of Cu and Fe Phases in Cu-10Fe Alloy During Cold Rolling

## TL;DR

This paper explores how copper and iron phases deform together during cold rolling in a Cu-10Fe alloy to improve strength.

## Contribution

The study reveals the co-deformation mechanisms of Cu and Fe phases and proposes strategies to enhance Fe fiber formation in Cu-Fe composites.

## Key findings

- At low strains, Cu accommodates most strain while Fe phases show minimal deformation.
- Intermediate strains cause Fe dendrites to elongate and spherical particles to form tadpole-like structures.
- High strains transform Fe dendrites into filaments and promote dynamic recrystallization in Cu.

## Abstract

Cu-Fe in situ composites often face challenges in achieving high strength during cold rolling due to the inefficient transformation of partial Fe phases into fibrous structures. To uncover the underlying mechanisms, this study systematically investigates the co-deformation behavior of Cu and Fe phases in a Cu-10Fe alloy subjected to cold rolling at various strains. Through microstructure characterization, texture analysis, and mechanical property evaluation, we reveal that the Cu matrix initially accommodates most applied strain (εvm < 1.0), forming shear bands, while Fe phases (dendrites and spherical particles) exhibit negligible deformation. At intermediate strains (1.0 < εvm < 4.0), Fe phases begin to deform: dendrites elongate along the rolling direction, and spherical particles evolve into tadpole-like morphologies under localized shear. Concurrently, dynamic recrystallization occurs near Fe phases in the Cu matrix, generating ultrafine grains. Under high strains (εvm > 4.0), Fe dendrites progressively transform into filaments, whereas spherical Fe particles develop long-tailed tadpole-like structures. Texture evolution indicates that Cu develops a typical copper-type rolling texture, while Fe forms α/γ-fiber textures, albeit with sluggish texture development in Fe. The low efficiency of Fe fiber formation is attributed to the insufficient strength of the Cu matrix and the elongation resistance of spherical Fe particles. To optimize rolled Cu-Fe in situ composites, we propose strengthening the Cu matrix (via alloying/precipitation) and suppressing spherical Fe phases through solidification control. This work provides critical insights into enhancing Fe fiber formation in rolled Cu-Fe systems for high-performance applications.