Microstructure and mechanical properties of P/M Fe₃Al alloys

Alloys based on Fe₃Al have an equilibrium DO₃ structure at low temperatures and transform to a B2 structure above about 550°C. The influence of different rates of quenching from the B2 region to room temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy (P/M) alloys with two different Cr contents has been examined. By optimizing the processing to maximize the amount of B2 order, room temperature ductility approaching 20% has been achieved although the fracture mode is primarily brittle cleavage. The refined microstructure resulting from P/M processing contributes to enhanced yield strength compared to ingot processed materials with similar ductility. Increasing the Cr content from 2 to 5% has little effect on mechanical properties.