Ag-rich precipitates formation in the Cu–11%Al–10%Mn–3%Ag alloy

•Cu-rich nanoprecipitates are formed in the presence of Ag.•Bainite precipitation is shifted to higher temperatures in the Cu–11%Al–10%Mn–3%Ag alloy.•The eutectoid α phase and bainite α1 phase compete by the Cu atoms during precipitation process. The formation of Ag-rich precipitates in the Cu–11%Al–10%Mn–3%Ag alloy initially quenched from 1123K was analyzed. The results showed that nanoprecipitates of a Cu-rich phase are produced at about 523K. In higher temperatures these nanoparticles grow and the relative fraction of Ag dissolved in it is increased, thus forming the Ag-rich phase.