Microstructure and mechanical properties of an FeAl alloy of low aluminium content

The microstructure and mechanical properties of an FeAl alloy containing 16 at.% Al and additions of small quantities of other elements have been examined. The alloying additions ensure that high strength with limited, but reasonable, ductility can be obtained for test temperatures from ambient to above 500 °C. Despite the low Al level, this alloy is found to show a two-phase disordered + ordered structure below about 550 °C, and it is the age hardening that occurs as the fine DO3-ordered particles form that is responsible for the high strengths found.