Phase and microstructure evolution in Cu-In-Cr alloys

Cu-In-Cr ternary alloy specimens were prepared with a metal mould and analysed by OP, EPMA, SEM, etc. The results show that the phase composition of Cu-11In-10Cr (wt-%) ternary alloy in casting microstructure includes Cu solid solution, Cr solid solution and Cu₉In₄ (δ) phase. Cu solid solution has dendritic morphology while Cr solid solution is star or petal shaped and is dispersed. In solidification, the solid/liquid interfaces of Cu solid solution and Cr solid solution are nonfaceted and they form by continuous growth, Cu solid solution forms dendrites under the influence of constitutional supercooling, while Cr solid solution forms equiaxed dendrites owing to the restricted chromium content. Chromium content has an influence on the morphology of Cu solid solution dendrites and Cr solid solution.