Interphase precipitation of Fe2Hf Laves phase in a Fe–9Cr/Fe–9Cr–Hf diffusion couple

•Rows of fine Fe2Hf Laves phase particles were formed in 9 wt.% Cr ferritic matrix.•The Laves phase was formed by interphase precipitation from δ ferrite to austenite.•The austenite matrix with Laves phase was subsequently transformed to the α ferrite.•The interphase precipitation may be used to strengthen ferritic heat resistant steel.

Periodically arrayed rows of fine Fe2Hf Laves phase particles were found to form in ferritic matrix containing 9 weight percent chromium and a few weight percent hafnium. Microstructural investigation suggests that the particles were formed on cooling through interphase precipitation during the phase transformation from δ ferrite to austenite, and the austenite was subsequently transformed into the α ferrite. The interphase precipitation mode may be effectively used to strengthen ferritic heat resistant steels with Laves phase.