Microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe–Si–Ti–(Cu, Al) heterostructured ultrafine composites

The influence of partial substitution of Fe by Cu or Al in Fe75−xSi15Ti10(Cu, Al)x (x = 0 and 4) ultrafine composites on the microstructure and mechanical properties has been investigated. The Fe71Si15Ti10Cu4 ultrafine composite exhibits a favorable microstructural evolution and improved mechanical properties, i.e., large plastic strain of ∼5% and pronounced work hardening characteristics. The mechanical properties of the ultrafine eutectic composite are strongly linked to the length scale heterogeneity and the distribution of the constituent phases.