Evolution of microstructure with increasing carbon content and its effect on mechanical properties of disordered iron–aluminium alloy

Abstract

Correlation of microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-rolled Fe-7 wt.% Al with varying carbon contents has been investigated in detail. The microstructures of the alloys change significantly with an increase in the carbon content. An alloy with 0.012 wt.% carbon shows a single ferrite phase, whereas with increase in carbon up to 0.65 wt.%, the microstructure evolves into a dual phase consisting of ferrite and κ-pearlite. At about 1.5 wt.% carbon, the alloy exhibits only κ-pearlite and with a further increase in carbon to 2.2 wt.%, an additional phase starts precipitating in the form of graphite. The room temperature tensile strength of the alloy increased significantly with an increase in the carbon content, which is in agreement with the microstructure. The yield strength and hardness of the steels with different carbon contents can be correlated well with the inter-barrier spacing in different steels.

Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties Co relation of Cold rolled Ferritic Lightweight Steel with Increasing Carbon

“…The preparation of raw material and melting technique have been reported previously 2,15 . The procedure to produce plates of 10 mm thickness from 50 mm diameter ingots by hot working process is described elsewhere [14][15] .…”

“…per cent Al alloys. These newly discovered steels might be used in lightweight ground transportation systems for military applications such as troop transports, vehicles and armour [1][2][3][4][5][6] . It might also be used to lighten massive constructions like tunnels and bridges.…”

“…As a result, these steels offer an intriguing prospect for lightening structures and bridges. Ground transportation systems, such as big trucks and power trains, have other potential applications [1][2][3][4] .…”

“…Various steel firms, such as Arcelor Mittal 20 , Usinor 21 , and Nippon Steel 22 have demonstrated an increasing interest in these materials, as seen by the number of patents they have published. Furthermore, research on lightweight steels has stimulated the interest of numerous research laboratories and academic institutions throughout the world [1][2][3][15][16]19,[23][24] .…”

“…However, it is believed that by raising the specific strength without sacrificing ductility or formability, the field of applications could be expanded to include a variety of new sectors. This is envisaged to be accomplished by alloying steel with carbon to increase its strength 2,4,29 . The effect of hot working on Fe-Al steels with various carbon levels has already been investigated and reported [14][15] .…”