Effect of Co element on microstructure and mechanical properties of FeCoXNiCuAl alloys

FeCoxNiCuAl （x values in molar ratio, x=0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3） alloys were pre- pared using a suck-casting method. The effect of Co element on phase constituents, microstructure and mechanical properties of the FeCox NiCuA1 alloys was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and com- pressive tests. It was found that the Co addition has a significant influence on the structure and properties of the FeCo~NiCuA1 alloys. The alloys have typical den- drite microstructure, and are composed of a simple fcc structure and bcc structure. The addition of Co promotes the formation of fcc phase in the alloys, retards the compressive strength and hardness of the alloys, and enhances the plasticity of the alloys.