Microstructure/properties relationship in Fe-based nanomaterials

Nanocrystalline materials crystallized from metallic glasses usually have a very complicated phase composition and present a good example of nanocomposite materials. The high potential of nanostructured iron-based materials produced by controlling solidification and subsequent devitrification is demonstrated. A new Fe-based commercial alloy demonstrates strength of more than 6 GPa at room temperature. A strong effect of annealing conditions on the nature of crystallization products and, as a result, on the mechanical behavior of the alloy has been revealed. Hence, depending upon the microstructure that is produced and the deformation conditions that are chosen, a wide variety of strength/elongation properties can be generated for various potential applications. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.