An analysis of precipitation kinetics in rapidly quenched AlFe alloys

Abstract Phase transformations in two rapidly quenched AlFe alloys (0.5 and 2 wt.%) have been studied by scanning electrical resistivity. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements and transmission electron microscopy observations have also been made. For AlFe 2 wt.%, a kinetic analysis of transformation is undertaken, starting from an empirical formulation of the reaction mechanism. Formation of Al 3 Fe is found to occur via a nucleation-and-growth process. An activation energy of 189 kJ/mol is derived.