Mechanical properties of porous Fe–Al intermetallics

Abstract

The effects of Al content and porosity on the mechanical properties of porous Fe–Al intermetallics, particularly at high temperatures, were determined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and mechanical properties testing. Results show that the optimal mechanical properties are achieved at 20 to 30 wt-%Al content. The tensile and bend strengths decrease with increasing Al content at 35 to 60 wt-%Al content. The quantitative relationship between porosity and strength for porous Fe–Al intermetallics can be described as σ_b = 181(1−θ)^3.3. The strength of porous Fe–Al intermetallics increases at medium temperature with the increase in temperature from room temperature. The maximum tensile strength (50.2 MPa) is achieved at 600°C, which is almost 36.8% higher than that at room temperature.