Effects of mechanical vibration on the solidification microstructure and properties of Cu-xSn alloys

This study prepared Cu-xSn (wt.%) alloys using intermediate-frequency induction heating coupled with a mechanical vibration (MV) field, followed by comprehensive microstructural characterization and property evaluations. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) were employed to analyze the phase composition and distribution of the Cu-xSn alloys. The experimental results show that the macroscopic solidification structure of the Cu-xSn alloys transforms from coarse columnar grains to fine equiaxed grains after applying the vibration field. The MV enhances the solid solubility of Sn in the matrix and significantly refining grain size. Moreover, it optimizes the distribution and morphology of secondary phases while effectively suppressing micro-segregation. Performance tests show that increasing Sn content and applying mechanical vibration improve the hardness and tensile strength of the alloys, while the electrical conductivity is deteriorated. This research provides important guidance for the composition design and fabrication of Cu-Sn alloys with uniformly refined microstructures.