The compressive creep characteristics of two phase Fe3Al–0.5 wt.% C

Ingots of aluminides based on Fe3Al containing about 16 wt.% aluminium and 0.5 wt.% carbon were prepared by a combination of air induction melting (AIM) and electroslag remelting (ESR). The constant load compression creep tests were conducted on cast ESR alloy samples in air at temperature range of 525–675 °C. Addition of 0.5 wt.% C increased the creep strength of Fe3Al alloy. The probable strengthening mechanisms are solid solution strengthening and load transfer to the reinforcing phase. The feature of the creep curve and the magnitude of the activation parameters indicate that the creep in this system is recovery controlled and that climb assists the recovery process. The creep properties of this alloy are superior to binary Fe3Al alloys and inferior to stainless steels.