Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Nanostructured and Ultrafine Grained FeMoB Alloys Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering of Mechanically Alloyed Powders

Boron alloyed Fe-1.5%Mo alloys (B from 0.42 to 1.66%) were produced starting from a prealloyed ferrous powder and an elemental boron powder, by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. Near full density samples were obtained (density >99%) with a nano- and ultrafine grained structure, consisting in a ferritic matrix with a fine dispersion of Fe and Mo borides. High boron content and a low sintering temperature are favorable to minimize grain growth on sintering. On increasing the boron content from 0.42% up to 1.66%, yield strength increases and ductility decreases; this effect is enhanced by the sintering temperature because of the structural coarsening. Both ultrafine grained and nanostructured materials have a dimpled ductile fracture. On increasing the crystallite size, a mixed dimpled-cleavage fracture is observed.