Light weight materials which possess high strength and durability are being utilized by the automotive industry to increase fuel economy. Rapidly solidified (RS) Al alloys are currently being extensively studied for this purpose. In this investigation the microstructure of an extruded Al-8Fe-2Mo alloy, produced by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Goverment Products Div. was examined in a JE0L 2000FX AEM. Both electropolished thin sections, and extraction replicas were examined to characterize this material. The consolidation procedure for producing this material included a 9:1 extrusion at 340°C followed by a 16:1 extrusion at 400°C, utilizing RS powders which have also been characterized utilizing electron microscopy.
Plant closures in Australia’s automotive industry: continuity and change
