Influence of minor Ag addition on the microstructure and properties of powder metallurgy Cu-10 wt% Fe alloy

•0.5 wt% Ag leads to finer Fe phase in Cu-10Fe alloy.•0.5 wt% Ag leads to homogenous distribution of Fe phase.•The increased vacancy density in Cu lattice by Ag addition accounts for this.•Ag addition increases electrical conductivity and strength of alloy.•The decreased activation energy by Ag suggests the activated precipitation of Fe.