High-resolution study of stabilized martensite in Cu-Zn-Si alloys

Cu-Zn-Si alloys show a significant tendency to martensite stabilization after ageing at room temperature. High-resolution electron microscopy is performed to study the effect of room temperature stabilization and continuous heating to elevated temperatures on the martensite structure. Frequent narrow face-centred-cubic (f.c.c.) lamellae are identified within 9R martensite. These lamellae are thought to be important for martensite stabilization. Continuous heating causes a decrease in partial dislocation density, thickening of the f.c.c. lamellae, and formation of 2H lamellae near 400degC. (orig.)