Eutectic Alloys of the Type FE 25-35 NI 15-25 MN 30-40 AL 10-20 M 0-5 and Methods for Production Thereof

Abstract

Alloys, formed by a eutectic transformation of the type Fe25-35 Ni15-25 Mn30-40 Al10-20 MO-5, are disclosed. M is selected from chromium, molybdenum, carbon and combinations thereof. The alloys have high strength and ductility. The alloys are prepared from readily available transition metals, and can be used in applications where properties similar to steel are necessary or advantageous.

1 . An intermetallic composition formed by a eutectic transformation in at least two distinct structural phases and having an average composition comprising from 25% to 35% iron, 15% to 25% nickel, 30% to 40% manganese and 10% to 20% aluminum, wherein the composition is described in terms of atomic percentages. 
     
     
         2 . The intermetallic composition of  claim 1 , wherein the microscopic content varies with localized nanostructure. 
     
     
         3 . The intermetallic composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises 30% iron, 20% nickel, 35% manganese and 15% aluminum. 
     
     
         4 . The intermetallic composition of  claim 3 , wherein the composition comprises a yield strength of at least 750 MPa at room temperature. 
     
     
         5 . The intermetallic composition of  claim 3 , wherein the composition comprises a tensile strength of at least 1150 MPa at room temperature. 
     
     
         6 . The intermetallic composition of  claim 3 , wherein the composition exhibits an elongation of 20% at room temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The intermetallic composition of  claim 1 , wherein the average intermetallic content is according to a formula
   Fe a Ni b Mn c Al d M e ,   wherein M is an alloying addition of any element or combination of elements;   a ranges from 25 to 35;   b ranges from 15 to 25;   c ranges from 30 to 40;   d ranges from 10 to 20;   e ranges from 0 to 5, and   wherein a-e are expressed on an atomic percent basis.   
     
     
         8 . The intermetallic composition of  claim 7 , wherein M is selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, carbon and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . An intermetallic composition formed by a eutectic transformation in at least two distinct structural phases and having an average composition according to the formula:
   Fe a Ni b Mn c Al d M e ,   wherein (in atomic percent)   a ranges from 25 to 35;   b ranges from 15 to 25;   c ranges from 30 to 40;   d ranges from 10 to 20;   e ranges from 0 to 5; and   M is selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, carbon and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         10 . A method of producing an intermetallic composition, the method comprising the steps of:
 heating a mixture of metals, to create a homogenous solution, according to the formula:
   Fe a Ni b Mn c Al d M e , 
   wherein (in atomic percent)   a ranges from 25 to 35;   b ranges from 15 to 25;   c ranges from 30 to 40;   d ranges from 10 to 20;   e ranges from 0 to 5; and   M is selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, carbon and combinations thereof;   cooling the homogenous solution to obtain a homogeneous solid;   reheating the solid to a eutectic transformation temperature; and   holding the eutectic transformation temperature for a period of time.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the eutectic transformation temperature is about 1215° C. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the period of time is about 30 minutes.