LAUSR

Abstract Alloys with compositions (Mn53Al45C2)100-xNix where x = 0, 0.6, 1.5, 2, 4 and 6 were produced, and the microstructure, magnetic properties and thermal stability of the thermodynamically metastable τ-phase, i.e., its resistance to decomposition into the equilibrium phases, were investigated. With x = 0.6 or 1.5, the τ-phase has greater stability than that in ternary alloy (x = 0): after heat treating the homogenised alloys for 7 days at 700°C, the estimated remaining volume fractions of the τ-phase are 0.35, 0.85 and 0.91 for x = 0, 0.6 and 1.5, respectively. A hot deformed sample of the alloy with x = 0.6 showed less decomposition of τ-phase and smaller recrystallised grain size compared to the alloy with x = 0 in the same state. The solubility limit of Ni in the τ-phase with Mn:Al = 1.18 and approx. 2 at.% C addition at 700°C is below 0.6 at.%, however, the solubility of Ni in the e-phase with the same composition at 1100°C is in the range 1.5-2 at.%.