Abstract
The crystallization study using Bridgman and floating-zone methods, and also conventional casting was performed with the material Fe - 38at % Al - 1at.% C. A significant redistribution of elements during crystallization was found.
Two phase microstructure of the kappa-phase in the B2-matrix was found in regions with composition below 37 at.% Al and 0.5 at.% C, the microstructure consisting of kappa-phase + B2-matrix with some limited amount of graphite globules were found in the fast solidified Bridgman sample. An enhanced growth of graphite lathes in the Bridgman crystal was observed for growth rate of the 28 mm/h.
These graphite lathes are oriented into the planes {100} and {110}. The kappa-phase precipitates are not crystalographically oriented with respect to the matrix.