In this chapter, results of our recent investigations on Al-25%Fe (at.%), Al-30%Fe and Al-34.5%Fe alloys close to Al 3 Fe, Al 5 Fe 2 and Al 2 Fe intermetallic phases have been discussed. The effect of process parameters on structural aspects and mechanical behaviour of Al-Fe intermetallics has been studied. The high melting intermetallics that are difficult to prepare by conventional processing technique are easily synthesized in nanocrystalline state with a homogeneous structure by mechanical means. In this process, we have come out with a single orthorhombic Al 5 Fe 2 nanocrystalline intermetallic phase. Hardness measurements of intermetallic revealed an increase in hardness with a decreasing grain size up to a critical grain size, followed by a decrease. A decrease in hardness with a grain size refinement, an indication of softening behaviour, demonstrating the Inverse Hall-Petch (IHP)-like phenomenon has been observed in intermetallic compounds. The deviation from the regular Hall-Petch (HP) behaviour has been discussed using various deformation models based on the dislocations and grain boundary-mediated processes. The study is focused on investigations of Al-rich iron aluminide intermetallics to understand the structure property correlations. and exhibit different crystal structure and properties than their constituent elements. The composition of an intermetallic may vary within a restricted composition range known as homogeneity range. Since 2500 BC, metallurgists have used intermetallics, and its phases have attracted significant interests during the last few decades since they offer new prospects for developing structural materials for high-temperature applications.
IntermetallicsAn increased need for new and novel materials with specified properties and particular application has attracted greater attention of metallurgists and material scientists in recent years.Intermetallics are one such material with a vast potential for application in a wide range of technologically important areas [1]. The first observation of an intermetallic was made in 1839 by Karl Karsten, when he observed a discontinuity in the action of acids on alloys of copper and zinc at the equi-atomic composition and suggested the formation of a compound. The compound is now popularly called as β-brass (CuZn). Intermetallics are already indispensable in many applications and offer the possibility of providing additional breakthrough in performance in, for example, high-temperature structural materials, magnetic materials and hydrogen storage materials. As a by-product of amorphization studies or alloying development, nanocrystalline intermetallic compounds can be synthesized. Nanocrystalline intermetallics possess improved mechanical properties at an ambient temperature. Bohn et al. [2] have suggested that nanocrystalline intermetallic compounds may have improved mechanical properties. Their study concludes several possible ways of improving strength and ductility. However, the strength of elemental nanocrystalline metals can be increa...