High strength ultrafine eutectic Fe–Nb–Al composites with enhanced plasticity

An enhancement of plasticity in high strength ultrafine eutectic Fe–Nb composites has been accomplished by introducing heterogeneities in length-scale of the microstructure. Addition of Al acting as a stabilizer for the α-Fe phase in the Fe–Nb composites results in the formation of a larger volume fraction of primary α-Fe phase and an ultrafine eutectic structure with reduced lamellar spacing. As a result, Fe–Nb–Al composites exhibit a good combination of fracture strength and plasticity. Due to the presence of the solution hardened α-Fe phase, the Fe–Nb–Al composites exhibit significantly enhanced work hardening behavior at room temperature.