Divorced Eutectic

This condition, which occurs because of inhomogeneity, can be seen metallographically when one of the two constituents in an eutectic structure appears as a massive phase embedded in the second phase, which is continuous, rather than as layers or pearlitic lamellae. The continuous eutectic constituent is usually indistinguishable from the accompanying proeutectoid constituent. It should be emphasized that this condition only occurs with as-cast microstructures of eutectic alloys, and in particular, the terminal solid solutions. A well-known alloy having this condition is sterling silver (7.5% copper, balance silver). Often, the microstructure of divorced eutectics will be eliminated by wiredrawing and subsequent annealing, homogenization, or solution heat treatments.