Excellent combination of strength and ductility in an Fe–9Al–28Mn–1.8C alloy

  An optimal aging at 450 °C resulting in the subject alloy possessing a high yield strength of 1383 MPa with 32.5% elongation. With almost equivalent elongation, the yield strength was about 28% higher than that of FeAlMnC (C ≦ 1.3 wt.%) alloys after solution heat-treatment or controlled-rolling followed by optimal aging. Additionally, due to pre-existing fine (Fe,Mn)3AlC carbides in as-quenched alloy, the aging time required for attaining the optimal combination of strength and ductility was much less than that for FeAlMnC (C ≦ 1.3 wt.%) alloys.