Most of the studies aimed at the development of creep-resisting Fe-Al intermetallics have been oriented at application temperatures of the order of 500–650°C, where these materials may compete with conventional stainless steels. The Fe-Al intermetallics are, however, particularly excellent in their oxidation and corrosion resistances at temperatures of the order of 1000°C, where Chromium-Nickel steels are no longer able to withstand the aggressive environments. This presentation is part of a study aimed at the development of good creep resistance at such high temperatures.

Studies of a variety of cast Fe3Al-base alloys, strengthened by solution or precipitate/dispersoid-forming alloying additions, are reported. The alloys show good strength from room temperature to about 500°C, but thereafter strength falls rapidly as thermally-activated deformation processes become operative. Solution additions are capable of producing good low temperature strength, but do not contribute significantly to creep strength at very high temperatures (above 700°C). Precipitation hardening has been examined in Nb-containing alloys, where Fe2Nb Laves precipitates form at intermediate temperatures. These materials show good strength up to about 700°C, but at higher temperatures the fine precipitates coarsen excessively. Strengthening in the intermediate temperature range varies depending on whether the solute is precipitated prior to high temperature testing or concurrent with this.