Mechanical properties of Fe–Al–M–C (M=Ti, V, Nb, Ta) alloys with strengthening carbides and Laves phase

The mechanical properties of Fe–15Al (in at.%) and Fe–26Al based alloys with alloying additions are investigated. The alloys contain 1 at.% C and 2 or 4 at.% Ti, V, Nb or Ta. Preliminary information on the mechanical properties of the investigated alloys is provided by means of hardness tests. The mechanical testing of alloys is carried out in compression as well as in tension. Compression tests are carried out at room temperature and at elevated temperatures including the temperature range of the yield stress anomaly. The tensile tests are performed in order to determine the room temperature ductility and high temperature tensile strength at temperatures of possible industrial applications. The investigation of the fracture surfaces of ruptured tensile specimens is performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM).