Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2011
Forging processes at two different temperatures are performed to examine the relation between the microstructure and room temperature tensile properties in a Ce doped Fe3Al-based alloy. Results show that the microstructure and the ductility are sensitive to the forging temperature before annealing treatment. Higher yield strength and ductility can be obtained through forging at a relatively low temperature of 750°C followed by annealing at 800°C and 500°C. It is suggested that the formation of non-equilibrium grain boundaries and banded subgrains within carbide-free areas along grain boundaries enhances the local plastic deformation and results in the improvement of ductility. During the initial deformation at room temperature <111> slip is predominant for both microstructures.