An ODS material with outstanding creep and oxidation resistance above 1100°C

The mechanical-alloying method (see “Mechanical Alloying Spreads Its Wings”, p43) has been used by Dour Metal S.A. to produce a five-member family of experimental oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) FeCrAl alloys that combine strength and oxidation resistance at service temperatures to 1200°C. After mechanical alloying, the homogeneous powder particles are densified into billets and then extruded. Hot-formed material is given two successive heat treatments. The first produces the dispersion-strengthened microstructure of large, stable grains orientated in the longitudinal direction, while the second creates an oxidation-resistant Al 2 O 3 surface layer.