Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Microstructures of a binary Nb-15.8at%Al alloy ingot were controlled by isothermal forging and heat treatment to produce equiaxed, fine grains of Nb3Al and Nb solid solution (Nb33). Nb3Al/Nb33 two phase alloy (in-situ composite) is found to exhibit superplasticity especially when one of the constituent phases, Nb33, is supersaturated. During superplastic deformation Nb33 transforms to Nb3Al, and Al content in Nb33 decreases. After superplastic deformation the microstructure consisting of equiaxed grains is left unchanged, although a slight grain growth is observed. It is suggested that stress induced by grain boundary sliding is effectively accommodated through dislocation glide and climb in the soft Nb33