The effect of directionally solidified microstructures on ductility of Fe-6.5wt%Si alloy

Abstract

Fe-6.5wt%Si high silicon steel has superior magenitic properties. However, such high Si content results inroom-temperature embrittlement and poor workability due to the formation of ordered intermetallic phases. Zone Melting Liquid Metal Cooling directional solidification technique was employed to produce the Fe-6.5wt%Si alloy with columnar-grained structures. The cooling rate of directional solidificationplays a critical role in maintaining the grain growth, and the rate around 3 K/s is an optimum conditionto form columnar-grained structure and to improve its ductility. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.