Coarse Laves Phase Stimulated Nucleation of Recrystallization in Zr-Alloying Fecral Alloy

Abstract

This study investigates the coarse Laves phase stimulated nucleation of recrystallization behavior in iron–chromium–aluminum (Fe–Cr–Al) alloys. The results reveal that the samples with coarse Laves phase in the matrix owe a finer grain because of the occurrence of particle stimulated nucleation (PSN). Due to the lower diffusion coefficient and lower solubilities of Zr in bcc matrix, Zr addition increase the proportion of coarse Laves phase which promote the PSN, resulting in fine grain size in the Fe–Cr–Al alloys. The ultimate tensile strength of the Zr-modified Fe–Cr–Al sample with coarse Laves phase in the matrix reaches ~600 MPa, and the elongation is up to ~28%. Also, the high elongation of this sample could greatly improve the formability of it. The superior combination of strength and ductility is attributed to the grain refinement and discontinuous deformation. This study could be expected to provide a better understanding for coarse Laves phase, such as accelerated recrystallization behavior and benefit effect on mechanical properties, and it gives potential freedom for further design and microstructure control to Fe–Cr–Al alloys.

Keywords: Fe-Cr-Al alloys, Zr-addition, Laves phase, Particle stimulated nucleation, Recrystallization