1. Fachbereich 12.1, Universit?t des Saarlandes, Werkstoffwissenschaften, Bau 22, D-6600, Saarbrücken, F.R. Germany 2. Department of Physics, University College, University of New South Wales, ADFA, 2600, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Abstract:
The precipitation of the fcc γ-phase of iron has been studied by a systematic series of isothermal and isochronal (0–48 h)
heat treatments (300–800°C) on a supersaturated solution ofCuFe containing 3 at% Fe. The optimal conditions (450–600°C) for precipitation of the maximum fraction (90%) of iron attainable
within 48 h in the form of γ-Fe have been delineated from analysis of the room temperature spectra. The time dependence for
formation of γ-Fe precipitates is well described by the equation for long term annealing. An activation energyEa ≈0.6 eV for the formation of γ-Fe in Cu is obtained. It indicates short range rather than long range diffusion in theCuFe sample studied.