EFFECT OF SYNTHESIS METHOD ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF A NANOPHASE AG-CUALLOY

Nanophase Ag37Cu63 compacts synthesised by different methods are compa ratively studied by means of x-ray diffractometry, transmission electr on microscopy and fractography. Experimental results reveal that the s ynthesis method has a strong influence on the microstructure of the re sulting material. Although the same master alloy is used for the inert gas condensation (IGC) and severe plastic deformation (SPD), the micr ostructure of the pellet produced by SPD different from that of the IG C produced compact. The IGC + SPD compact, however, has a similar micr ostructure as that of the SPD compact. The local melting of the compac ts at lower temperatures has been found, and is independent of the met hod used to synthesise the pellets.