Synthesis and mechanical properties of (Ni₇₀Si₃₀)_100−xFe_x (x = 0, 5, 10) alloys Available to Purchase

In this study, (Ni₇₀Si₃₀)_100−xFe_x (x = 0, 5, 10) alloys were synthesized through the arc-melting technique under a vacuum/argon atmosphere. The microstructural properties and microhardness of the nickel (Ni)–silicon (Si)–iron (Fe) alloys were characterized. These alloys were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Vickers microhardness measurement. The XRD results showed that all alloys have some intermetallic phases such as Ni₂Si, Fe₂Si, Ni₇₄Si₂₆ and Fe₃Ni. These phases were confirmed by SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. From OM images, planar and dendritic growths were observed. The obtained phases affected positively the microstructures of the alloys. Thus, the microhardness values of the alloys improved and were determined to be in the range 866–1024 HV. Moreover, these microhardness values revealed that the iron content in the the nickel–silicon alloy system was a very significant factor to be determined increasing and decreasing of the the microhardness values the alloys.