Mechanical work feasibility of Al-Fe composite

Abstract

In order to produce energy efficient tribological materials for high temperature application, Al-Fe intermetallic composite have been produced by liquid metallurgy methods. The iron content in the composite varies from 6.23 to 11.2 wt%. These composites have been selected for forging studies by selecting the optimum forging parameters. After forging these composite were again selected for annealing studies at choosing various annealing temperature (200, 300, 400 and 5000C for 2 hours). The composite after forging and annealing have been studied under optical and scanning electron microscope, showing the presence of second phase particle, distributed at grain boundaries to the interior of the grain. Further the results of the EDAX and XRD confirm the presence of Fe and FeAl3. Mechanical properties like hardness, strength of the composite are improved with iron alloying in the matrix, however it also has adverse effect on ductility. The forging and annealing on the composite show the same effect.