Microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe3Al based alloy fabricated by laser metal deposition

Abstract As a neat-net-shape processing technology, Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) is well-suited for the preparation of intermetallic alloys. In this study, Fe3Al and Fe3Al-WC alloys were successfully fabricated by LMD. The effects of WC on the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-fabricated samples were investigated. The results showed that the addition of WC particles facilitated the formation of W-containing carbides and resulted in grain refinement. Taking advantage of solid solution strengthening and fine grain strengthening, the Fe3Al-WC composite alloy exhibited an improved microhardness (395.50 HV0.3) and compressive yield strength (1262 ± 13 MPa) compared with pure Fe3Al alloy.