Microstructure and mechanical behavior of directionally solidified Fe35Ni15Mn25Al25

► The microstructure and hardness of directional solidified Fe35Ni15Mn25Al25 were examined. ► Several new techniques, not previously used on these alloys, were used for their characterization. ► The effect of directional solidification processing, as compared to arc-melting, is discussed. ► Several theoretical models are considered to explain the relationship between the hardness and microstructure.