Impact of a Constant Magnetic Field on Decomposition of Cu-Be-Ni-Based Solid Solution

Abstract

Impact of a constant magnetic field on decomposition of supersaturated solid solution is investigated for the system Cu-Be-Ni. A technical bronze Cu-1.9Be-0.3Ni (in wt.%) was water-quenched after holding at 800°C (0.5 h) and subsequently heat treated at 325°C, 350°C and 400°C for 1 hour without and with application of a constant magnetic field of 0.7 T. The annealing in magnetic field is found to influence significantly the precipitation characteristics in diamagnetic Cu-based alloy, especially at 325°C. The nucleation barriers for discontinuous precipitation at grain boundaries are decreased, while the growth rates seem to be decreased, too, in magnetic field. A possible mechanism of the magnetic effect on discontinuous precipitation in the Cu-based is discussed.