LAUSR

Abstract Fe2AlB2, a ternary transition metal compound, has attracted much attention due to its layered structure, electrical conductivity, and magnetocaloric effect. However, the preparation of Fe2AlB2 from Al, Fe and B elemental powders requires a long reaction time of from 15 h to 14 days at 1000 °C. Here we report on the synthesis of Fe2AlB2 in the temperature range 1100–1200 °C for 1 h through pressureless sintering technique. Two mixtures of Fe/Al/B and FeB/Al were used to prepare Fe2AlB2. The effects of sintering temperature, dwelling time, Al content, and Sn additive on the formation of Fe2AlB2 have been studied. In addition, the mechanical properties of a dense Fe2AlB2 bulk material prepared by hot pressing of the mixture of FeB and Al at 1100 °C for 1 h was investigated. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the phase composition and microstructure of the prepared materials.