Effect of Zr addition on coarse Laves phase stimulated nucleation of recrystallization in FeCrAl alloy

Abstract

This study investigates the coarse Laves phase stimulated nucleation of recrystallization behavior in iron–chromium–aluminum (Fe–Cr–Al) alloys. The results reveal that the samples with coarse Laves phases in the matrix have finer grains because of the occurrence of particle stimulated nucleation (PSN). Due to the lower diffusion coefficient and lower solubilities of Zr in the bcc matrix, Zr addition increases the proportion of the coarse Laves phase, which promotes the PSN, resulting in a fine grain size in the Fe–Cr–Al alloys. The ultimate tensile strength of the Zr-modified Fe–Cr–Al sample with coarse Laves phases in the matrix reaches ∼600 MPa, and the elongation is up to ∼28%. Additionally, the high elongation of this sample could greatly improve its formability. The superior combination of strength and ductility is attributed to grain refinement and discontinuous deformation. This study could be expected to provide a better understanding of the coarse Laves phase, such as accelerated recrystallization behavior and beneficial effects on the mechanical properties, and provides potential freedom for further design and microstructure control of Fe–Cr–Al alloys.