Iron aluminides: present status and future prospects

This paper constitutes a broad survey of the physical, mechanical and corro sion properties of Fe,AL alloys, as well as a review of principal processin g methods. This class of alloys, once thought to be inherently brittle, is shown to possess moderate ductility, provided that mechanical testing is ca rried out in an inert environment. Methods to improve mechanical properties by alloying and microstructural control are described. The influence of al loying elements on corrosion and stress corrosion resistance and weldabilit y also is reviewed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.