The Effect of Nb Addition on the Microstructure and the High-Temperature Strength of Fe3Al Aluminide

The microstructural and high-temperature mechanical properties of Fe–26Al–xNb (x = 3 and 5 at. pct) are compared. The alloys were investigated “as cast” and after hot rolling at 1473 K (1200 °C). Scanning electron microscopes equipped with EDS and EBSD were used for the microstructure and phase identification. The addition of 3 at. pct of Nb into the Fe3Al matrix leads to the formation of C14 λ—Laves phase (Fe,Al)2Nb (LP) particles spread in the Fe3Al matrix, while an eutectic with thin lamellae of LP C14 λ—Laves phase (Fe,Al)2Nb and matrix is also formed in the iron aluminide with 5 at. pct of Nb. The presence of incoherent precipitates is connected with the enhancement of the high-temperature strength and creep resistance.