The characterization of rapidly solidified Al-8Fe-2Mo powder
A centrifugally atomized rapidly solidified Al-8Fe-2Mo powder was characterized by Light Microscopy (LM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM). The powder sample was studied in an as-solidified state and after annealing in 1 at. argon for 6 hr at 400°C. Further studies have characterized the consolidated bars produced by compaction and extrusion of these powders.The 30 to 150 μm powders are spherical as seen in the SEM (Fig.1) with small (5 to 15 μm) satellite powders sometimes attached in external (A,B Fig.1) and internal (A Fig.2C) locations. A comparison of powders (epoxy mounted and polished) by both the LM (Fig. 2A) and the SEM (Figs. 2B and 2C) reveals a two component microstructure with occasional voids.