Effect of Carbon Addition on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Hypo-Eutectic Fe-Zr(-Nb) Alloys

摘要

The effect of carbon addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-Zr and Fe-Zr-Nb ultrafme eutectic-dendrite composites has been investigated. Addition of carbon leads to the formation of iron solid solution strengthened by carbon interstitials and carbide particles encapsulated by α-Fe dendrites preferentially nucleated on the carbides. Consequently, the ultrafine eutectic Fe-5Zr-5Nb-0.3C (mass%) alloy exhibits high compressive strength (approx 1.2GPa) and large plastic strain (approx 24%). The present study suggests another effective way to enhance the mechanical properties of Fe-based nano-eutectic alloys.