Microstructures and Properties of FeAl-Fe3AlC0.5 Composites Prepared by SHS Casting

FeAl composites with 21, 37 and 50 wt pct Fe3AlC0.5 were fabricated by a self-propagating high temperature synthesis （SHS） casting. Phases and microstructures were analyzed by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Microhardness and bending strength of the composites were measured. The composites with 21 and 50 wt pct Fe3AlC0.5 mainly consisted of FeAl and FesAlC0.5 phases, whereas the composite with 37 wt pct Fe3AlC0.5 was composed of FeAl, Fe3AlC0.5 and graphite phases. The bonding of the reinforcement and the matrix was good. Hardness and bending strength of the composite with 37 wt pct Fe3AlC0.5 was lower than those of the 21 and 50 wt pct composites owing to the presence of the soft graphite phase.