Microstructure Changes in Sn- or Gd-Modified Cu–11%Al–10%Mn Alloy

• DOI: 10.1007/s13632-021-00710-4
• Publication Date: 2021-02-02T19:19:44Z
• Authors: J. S. Souza; R. A. G. Silva
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 01 natural sciences

The effects of the addition of Sn or Gd on the phase transitions of the Cu–11%Al–10%Mn alloy were studied to identify and characterize the phases formed at each transition observed in the differential scanning calorimetry curves. The characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, microhardness tests, and magnetization measurements as a function of the applied field. The microstructure was investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the addition of Sn stabilizes the $$\beta $$ phases, and changes the phases present in the Cu–11%Al–10%Mn alloy, whereas the addition of Gd does not interfere with the phase transitions. In addition, Sn improves the alloy saturation magnetization, while addition of Gd deteriorates it.