Effect of matrix microstructure on precipitation of Laves phase in Fe–10Cr–1.4W(–Co) alloys

Ferritic heat-resistant steels involving intermetallic Laves phase have drawn a growing interest for the enhancement of creep strength, while the brittleness of Laves phase may lower the toughness of the alloy. We believe it is possible to modify the morphology of Laves phase precipitates by controlling the α-Fe matrix microstructure. In order to make clear the influence of matrix microstructures on age-hardening, the precipitation behavior of Laves phase was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The matrix of the Fe–10Cr–1.4W–4.5Co (at%) alloy is controlled by heat treatments so as to provide three types of microstructures; ferrite, ferrite+martensite, and martensite. Alloys with ferrite and ferrite+martensite matrices show age-hardening behavior comprised of two hardness peaks. At around the first hardness peak, it is revealed by TEM observation that fine particles precipitate coherently within the ferrite matrix. In the martensite matrix, most of R-phase and Laves phase precipitates exist on laths and dislocations.