Effect of process atmosphere on the mechanical properties of rapidly solidified powder metallurgy Al–Ti–Fe–Cr alloys

Highly heat-resistant Al93.1Ti2.3Fe2.3Cr2.3 (at.%) rapidly solidified powder metallurgy (RS P/M) alloy was prepared under a well-controlled atmosphere of highly purified argon gas. The Al93.1Ti2.3Fe2.3Cr2.3 RS P/M alloy exhibited high strength exceeding 300 MPa and good ductility with elongation of 11% at 573 K. Reduction of the H2O partial pressure in the P/M processing atmosphere lead to suppression of pore formation and decreased hydrogen content in P/M alloys, resulting in improved mechanical properties of the powder-consolidated alloys under high-temperature service conditions.