Method for rapid solidification processing of multiphase alloys having

Abstract

Rapid solidification processing by liquid quenching is made practical for multiphase alloys having relatively large liquidus-solidus temperature intervals by a new processing technique termed 'melt mix reaction' involving chemically reacting two starting alloys in a mixing nozzle in which a melt mix reaction takes place between the chemically reactable components of the starting alloys to form submicron particles of the resultant compound in the final alloy. The mixing and chemical reaction is performed at a temperature which is at or above the highest liquidus temperature of the starting alloys but which is also substantially below the liquidus temperature of the final alloy, and as close to the solidus temperature of the final alloy as possible. Rapid solidification may be accomplished through the utilization of a melt spinning wheel or may be accomplished through the utilization of an atomizing nozzle configuration, with the rapidly solidified alloy containing a matrix with a microdispersion or a precipitate of the resulting compound contained therein. Heat treatment of the rapidly solidified final alloy may be additionally employed to produce precipitate hardening of the final alloy should such microdispersed precipitates not be formed or be formed incompletely during the rapid solidification process.