Growth and microstructure evolution of the Nb2Al–Al3Nb eutectic in situ composite

In situ composite materials obtained by directional growth of eutectic alloys usually show improved properties, that make them potential candidates for high temperature applications. The eutectic alloy found in the Al–Nb system is composed of the two intermetallic phases Al3Nb (D022) and Nb2Al (D8b). This paper describes the directional solidification of an Al–Nb eutectic alloy using a Bridgman type facility at growth rates varying from 1.0 to 2.9 cm/h. Longitudinal and transverse sections of grown samples were characterized regarding the solidification microstructure by using optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction. Despite both phases being intermetallic compounds, the eutectic microstructure obtained was very regular. The results obtained were discussed regarding the effect of the growth rate on the microstructure, lamellar–rod transition and variation of phase volume fraction.