Structural heat-resistant β-NiAl + γ′-Ni<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al alloys of the Ni–Al–Co system: I. Solidification and structure

When analyzing the ternary Ni–Al–M phase diagrams, where M is a group VI–VIII transition metal, we chose the Ni–Al–Co system, where the γ′ and γ phases are in equilibrium with the β phase, as a base for designing alloys with the following physicochemical properties: a moderate density (≤7.2 g/cm³) and satisfactory heat resistance at temperatures up to 1300°C. The structure formation in heterophase β + γ′ alloys during directional solidification is studied. It is found that, in contrast to cobalt-free β + γ′ alloys (where the γ′-Ni₃Al aluminide forms according to the peritectic reaction L + β ? γ′), the alloys with 8–10 at % Co studied in this work during directional solidification at 1370°C contain the degenerate eutectic L ? β + γ. The transition from the β + γ field to the β + γ′ + γ field occurs in the temperature range 1323–1334°C, and the γ′ phase then forms according to the reaction β + γ ? γ′.     

Rheological Properties of the EP742-ID Alloy in the Context of Integrated Computational Materials Science and Engineering: Part I. Results of Experimental Investigations

Rheological properties of the EP742-ID alloy are investigated during high-temperature compression tests of cylindrical samples with various ratios of homological initial sizes of diameter and height (d₀/h₀). It is shown by the results of tests in ranges of temperature t = 1000–1150°C and initial deformation rates ε?₀= 3 × 10^–2–3 × 10^–4 s^–1 that an increase in the compression flow tension manifests itself at all temperatures and deformation rates with an increase in ratio d₀/h₀ with the linear dependence on the magnitude of ε?₀ and ratio d₀/h₀. The procedure of recalculating characteristics of the deformation resistance for the specified ratio of homological parameters is proposed. An increase in the compression flow tension is associated with an increase in the rigidity coefficient of the samples and their specific contact surfaces. The temperature dependence of the apparent activation energy of the plastic deformation (Q_def) of the alloy and its relation with the phase composition and running conditions of the dynamic recrystallization of the γ-solid solution are established. The magnitude of Q_def in temperature conditions of the development onset of the dynamic recrystallization of the γ-solid solution (1000–1050°C) is 959 kJ/mol for samples with d₀/h₀ = 0.75. The largest values of Q_def for the samples with d₀/h₀ = 0.75 equal to 1248 and 1790 kJ/mol are observed in a temperature region of the intense dissolution and coagulation of the grain-boundary γ′-phase (1050–1100°C). The value of Q_def for the samples with d₀/h₀ = 3.0 increases to 2277 kJ/mol in this temperature range. The apparent activation energy of the plastic deformation lowers to 869 kJ/mol in the temperature region of the γ-solid solution with grain-boundary primary and secondary carbides (1100–1150°C). The results of compression of alloy samples during single and repeated sequential loading with various durations of pauses between deformation actions are presented. It is shown that no metadynamic recrystallization occurs in the experimental conditions in the γ + γ′-region, while it runs slowly in the γ-region.     

Structure–phase characteristics and the mechanical properties of single-crystal nickel-based rhenium-containing superalloys with carbide–intermetallic hardening

Single crystals of rhenium-containing ZhS32-VI, ZhS32U nickel superalloys with the 〈001〉, 〈011〉, and 〈111〉 crystallographic orientations have been produced by directional solidification. The alloying element segregations and the thermal stability of the microstructure consisting of a γ solid solution and hardened by precipitates of the γ′ phase and MC carbides are studied. The crystal lattice parameters of the γ′ and γ phases; the γ/γ′ misfit; and the liquidus, solidus, and γ′-solvus temperatures of the alloys have been found. The temperature dependence of the γ′-phase solubility has beeisn determined. The temperature–orientation dependences of the tensile strength characteristics in the range 20–1150°C and the low-cycle fatigue at 850°C of the alloy single crystals with the 〈001〉, 〈011〉, and 〈111〉 orientations are presented.     

Microstructure of a complex Nb–Si-based alloy and its behavior during high-temperature oxidation

A in-situ composite Nb–Si–Ti–Hf–Cr–Mo–Al composite material alloyed with yttrium and zirconium is studied. The evolution of the structure–phase state of the alloy during oxidation under dynamic and isothermal conditions is considered on samples prepared by vacuum remelting and directional solidification. The phase composition and the microstructure of the alloy are examined by the methods of physico-chemical analysis, and the distribution of alloying elements in initial samples and the products of oxidation is estimated. Thermogravimetric experiments are performed on powders and compacted samples during continuous (in the range 25–1400°C) and isothermal (at 900 and 1100°C) heating in air. The directional solidification of an Nb–Si–Ti–Al–Hf–Cr–Mo–Zr–Y is found to cause the formation of an ultradispersed eutectic consisting of α-Nb_ss and γ-Nb₅Si_3ss cells. The as-cast sample prepared by vacuum remelting has a dendritic structure and contains Nb₃Si apart from these phases. Oxidation leads to the formation of a double oxide layer and an inner oxidation zone, which retain the two-phase microstructure and the ratio of alloying elements that are characteristic of the initial alloy. Diffusion redistribution is only detected for molybdenum. The cyclicity of heating at the initial stage of oxidation weakly influences the oxidation resistance of the alloy.     

Reverse Shape Memory Effect Related to α → γ Transformation in a Fe-Mn-Al-Ni Shape Memory Alloy

In this study, we investigated the shape memory behavior and phase transformations of solution-treated Fe_43.61Mn_34.74Al_13.38Ni_8.27 alloy between room temperature and 1173 K (900 °C). This alloy exhibits the reverse shape memory effect resulting from the phase transformation of α (bcc) → γ (fcc) between 673 K and 1073 K (400 °C and 800 °C) in addition to the shape memory effect resulting from the martensitic reverse transformation of γ′ (fcc) → α (bcc) below 673 K (400 °C). There is a high density of hairpin-shaped dislocations in the α phase undergoing the martensitic reverse transformation of γ′ → α. The lath γ phase, which preferentially nucleates and grows in the reversed α phase, has the same crystal orientation with the reverse-transformed γ′ martensite. However, the vermiculate γ phase, which is precipitated in the α phase between lath γ phase, has different crystal orientations. The lath γ phase is beneficial to attaining better reverse shape memory effect than the vermiculate γ phase.     

INCOLOY 908, a low coefficient of Expansion Alloy for High-Strength Cryogenic Applications: Part I. Physical Metallurgy

INCOLOY 908 is a low coefficient of thermal expansion (COE) iron-nickel base superalloy that was developed jointly by The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the International Nickel Company for cryogenic service. The alloy is stable against phase transformation during prolonged thermal treatments and has a COE compatible with that of Nb₃Sn. These properties make the material ideal for use as a structural component in superconducting magnets using Nb₃Sn. The evolution of microstructure has been studied as a function of time at temperature over the temperature range of 650 °C to 900 °C for times between 50 and 200 hours. A detailed analysis of precipitated phases has been conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and analytical scanning and scanning transmission electron mi- croscopy (STEM) techniques. The primary strengthening phase has been found to be γ′, Ni₃(Al, Ti). INCOLOY 908 is stable against overaging, which is defined as the transformation of γ′ to η, Ni₃Ti, for times to 100 hours at temperatures up to 750 °C. Upon overaging, the strengthening phase transforms to η. A new phase,H _x , has been identified and characterized.     

Effect of a high temperature and hydrostatic pressure on the structure and the properties of a high-strength cast AM5 (the 201.2 alloy type) aluminum alloy

The phase-transition temperatures of a high-strength cast AM5 aluminum alloy are determined at atmospheric pressure and an excess pressure of 100 MPa using differential barothermic analysis (DBA) and classical differential thermal analysis (DTA). An excess pressure of 100 MPa is shown to increase the critical temperatures of the alloy by 12–17°C (including an increase in the solidus temperature by 12°C), which makes it possible to increase the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) temperature above the temperature of heating for quenching. The following three barothermal treatment schedules at p = 100 MPa and τ = 3 h, which have different isothermal holding temperatures, are chosen to study the influence of HIP on the structure and the properties of alloy AM5 castings: HIP1 (t₁ = 505 ± 2°C), HIP2 (t₂ = 520 ± 2°C), and HIP3 (t₃ = 540 ± 2°C). High-temperature HIP treatment is found to increase the casting density and improve the morphology of secondary phases additionally, which ensures an increase in the plasticity of the alloy. In particular, the plasticity of the alloy after heat treatment according to schedule HIP3 + T6 (T6 means artificial aging to achieve the maximum strength) increases by a factor of ～1.5.     

Effect of the method of production of an Ni<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al/Mo layered composite material on its structure and properties

A stack of alternating 25 100-μ-thick Ni₃Al plates and 28 200-μm-thick Mo plates is subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at a temperature T = 1200°C and a pressure P = 150 MPa for τ = 2.5 h followed by hot rolling at 1050–950°C to a thickness of 2.3 mm. The stack is then subjected to cold rolling (CR) to a thickness of 0.5 mm without intermediate annealing, subsequent annealing during HIP at T = 1200°C, P = 150 MPa, and τ = 2.5 h, and CR to a thickness of 0.22 mm. Upon CR at a strain ε changing from 80.8 to 95.8%, the following specific structure forms in the longitudinal direction: molybdenum layers acquire a wavelike structure, can contact with each other, form “cells,” and retain almost the same thickness, and Ni₃Al alloy layers are rejected between the molybdenum layers to form a regular structure made of alternating thickenings and thinnings across the rolling direction. Annealing during HIP and subsequent CR to ε = 98.2% lead to the formation of zones with a broken alternation of layers in the longitudinal and transverse directions, which is related to different strain resistances of the (more refractory) molybdenum and Ni₃Al layers at 20°C. The adhesion between the layers is good, and no intermediate phases form at the interface. The ultimate bending strength of the 2.3-mm-thick workpiece at 20°C is 1000 ± 100 MPa, and the prepared material has a plasticity margin.     

Microstructural change during superplastic deformation of δ-ferrite/austenite duplex stainless steel

Superplasticity of a 25 pct Cr-6.5 pct Ni-3 pct Mo-0.14 pct N δ/γ duplex stainless steel has been studied with particular emphasis on the microstructural change during deformation. Two large superplastic elongations are obtained at temperatures around 1323 K in δ/γ duplex phase region and 1173 K where σ phase particles precipitate dynamically at a strain rate of ~10^?3 s^?1. During deformation in the higher temperature region, fine Widmanstätten γ particles coarsen and coarse γ grains formed during the prior treatments are broken into spherical particles, resulting in a homogeneous dispersion of γ particles within the σ-ferrite matrix. The dynamic recrystallization of soft σ-ferrite matrix occurs locally in the region where the strain reaches some critical value, and the final microstructure consists of equiaxed σ and γ grains. In the case of lower temperature deformation, a eutectoid decomposition of δ-ferrite into γ and σ phases occurs. The relatively soft γ grains which are severely deformed by hard σ particles recrystallize dynamically, and these processes lead to the γ/σ equiaxed duplex structure. The extremely large superplasticity of this alloy can mainly be explained in terms of the above microstructural change during deformation.     

Microstructure evolution during isothermal annealing of a standard duplex stainless steel type 1.4462

Small alterations in chemical composition, even within the boundaries of the international standards, can drastically alter the formation kinetics of intermetallic phases in a stainless steel. Therefore, by means of isothermal annealing experiments, the time‐temperature‐precipitation (TTP) diagram was constructed for an industrially cold rolled and annealed standard duplex stainless steel of type 1.4462 (X2CrNiMoN22‐5‐3), having a distinct composition. Temperature was varied from 600 to 1050 °C, with annealing times from 10 to 3·10⁵ s Two intermetallic phases were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM): σ phase and χ phase. σ precipitation occurred in a slightly higher temperature range than χ precipitation. In addition, at high temperatures σ was the first phase to appear, while at lower temperatures χ was the first. This could be explained by the driving force for transformation, which is larger for σ at high temperatures and larger for χ at low temperatures. The microstructural changes during the heat treatment were studied in detail in order to provide a complete overview of all the phenomena that occur during annealing. At temperatures between 750 and 900 °C precipitation was fastest and all the α was replaced by γ and σ after prolonged times. The presence of neighbouring ferrite seems to be a necessary condition for the χ phase to be stable. The appearance of large volume fractions of σ above 700 °C was accompanied by a strong growth of the austenitic phase resulting in a more isotropic microstructure. Beneath 700 °C, the precipitated volume fractions of σ were relatively small and consequently the original banded structure remained clearly visible. At these lower temperatures the mobility of alloying elements is limited and a Widmannstätten like austenite was observed to grow into the ferrite in a needle‐like manner.     

On the Time-Temperature-Transformation Behavior of a New Dual-Superlattice Nickel-Based Superalloy

Recent research has identified compositions of nickel-based superalloys with microstructures containing appreciable and comparable volume fractions of γ′ and γ″ precipitates. In this work, an alloy capable of forming such a dual-superlattice microstructure was subjected to a range of thermal exposures between 873 K and 1173 K (600 °C and 900 °C) for durations of 1 to 1000 hours. The microstructures and nature of the precipitating phases were characterized using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. These data have enabled the construction of a T-T-T diagram for the precipitating phases. Hardness measurements following each thermal exposure have identified the age-hardening behavior of this alloy and allowed preliminary mechanical properties to be assessed.     

Effect of directional solidification on the structure and properties of Ni3Al-based alloy single crystals alloyed with W,Mo, Cr,and REM

The effect of the solidification gradient (G = 60 and 150°C/cm) at a solidification rate R = 10 mm/min on the structural parameters and the short- and long-term strength characteristics of blade-type single-crystal workpieces made of a heterophase γ′ + γ VKNA-1V-type γ′(Ni₃Al)-based alloy with low contents of refractory metals is studied. The single crystals have a cellular-dendritic structure: dendrites are heterophase and consist of thin discontinuous nickel-based γ solid solution layers between γ′(Ni₃Al)-matrix regions. Primary γ′-phase precipitates are located in the interdendritic space. An increase in solidification gradient G from 60 to 150°C/cm (by a factor of 2.5) at a solidification rate R = 10 mm/min leads to a decrease in the dendrite arm spacing by ～1.5 times, the size of primary γ′-phase precipitates by 2.5–3 times, and the refinement of γ′ regions between γ layers in dendrite arms and at the periphery of dendrites by 2–3 times. The strength characteristics of the single crystals grown at G = 150°C/cm are higher than those of the single crystals grown at G = 60°C/cm by 10%. An increase in gradient G weakly affects the long-term strength of the single crystals. During long-term high-temperature tests under loading, secondary disperse γ _sec ^′ particles precipitate in the discontinuous γ solid solution layers forming inclusions in two-phase γ′ + γ dendrites, and the morphology of the γ layers changes (they become thicker and shorter). The 〈111〉 VKNA-1V alloy single crystals grown at G = 150°C/cm and R = 10 mm/min have a set of the required properties, namely, a high high-temperature strength over the entire temperature range, moderate high-temperature plasticity, and the absence of the plasticity drop at 800°C (which is characteristic of single crystals with other crystallographic orientations). These properties make 〈111〉 VKNA-1V alloy single crystals promising for working and nozzle gas turbine engine blades, including the blades in “blisk” assembly units.     

Specific features of rhenium-alloyed single-crystal nickel superalloys

Experimental data are presented on the effect of introduction of up to 12 wt % Re on the structure and properties of ZhS-type complexly alloyed casting nickel superalloys intended for the blades of modern aviation gas-turbine engines. Rhenium alloying is found to increase the temperature of onset of melting of the alloys and the temperature of complete dissolution of a hardening γ′-Ni₃Al-based phase in a nickel-based γ solid solution. Moreover, rhenium hinders diffusion processes. Rhenium is shown to harden a nickel-based solid solution more effectively than Hf, Ta, Nb, W, or Mo. As compared to the other refractory metals, rhenium more effectively increases the long-term strength of the ZhS-type alloys at 1000°C. In addition, it increases their operating temperature to 1150°C.     

Structure of chromium-rich Cr-Ni,Cr-Fe,Cr-Co,and Cr-Ni-Fe alloy particles made by evaporation in argon

Structural analyses were performed on alloy particles of chromium-rich Cr-Ni, Cr-Fe, Cr-Co, and Cr-Ni-Fe systems. Fine alloy particles (100 to 1000Å in diameter) were prepared by evaporation of parent alloys in argon at 20 torr. In addition, alloy structures of bulk specimens of the Cr-Ni system were investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques to confirm the results obtained from the particulate alloys. In these binary systems, δ phase with W₃O structure (A-15) and a phase withβ-uranium structure (D _b ⁸ ) were identified in addition to the α (bcc) and γ (fcc) terminal solid solutions. The compositional ranges for the σ phase in the Cr-Ni, Cr-Fe, and Cr-Co systems are from low chromium to 68, 63.4, and 62.1 wt pct Cr, respectively. The δ phase exists in the range from pure chromium to 68, 58, and 54 wt pct Cr in the respective Cr-Ni, Cr-Fe, and Cr-Co alloy systems. Similarly, in the Cr-Ni-Fe system, it was found that δ phase occurs in the chromium corner while σ phase exists in the region bridging the two binary σ phases of the Cr-Ni and Cr-Fe systems. Possible modification of phase diagrams of these systems is discussed in view of these results.     

Effect of heat treatment on the phase composition,the texture,and the mechanical properties of a V1461 (Al–Cu–Li) alloy

The heterogeneity of the phase composition, the texture, and the mechanical properties in various zones and directions of plates (thickness T = 80 mm) in a V1461 (Al–Cu–Li) alloy has been studied. It is noted that the strength characteristics are maximal in the median cross section (ultimate strength and yield strength are 570 and 540 MPa, respectively); in the cross section at 0.25T, these values are 530 and 490 MPa, respectively; in the height direction, they are only 490 and 440 MPa. The studies of texture show that an intense one-component texture, which is similar to the matrix and δ' phases, is observed in a medium plate layer of thickness (0.3–0.35)T; the {011} texture plane is parallel to the plate plane with the dominant “brass” {110}〈112〉 texture. Hardness is shown to increase from HRB70 after aging at 120°C for 20 h to HRB85 after three-step aging at 120°C, 20 h + 140°C, 24 h + 150°C, 24 h. It is shown that aging at 120 and 140°C is accompanied by the precipitation of the Θ' phase along with the δ' phase, and aging at 150°C also leads to the precipitation of the T₁ phase.     

Thermal stability of the structure of a heat-resistant cobalt alloy hardened with intermetallic γ'-phase precipitates

The thermal stability of the microstructure of a heat-resistant cobalt alloy, which consists of a γ solid solution strengthened with γ'-phase precipitates, has been studied. The temperature behavior of the dissolution of the hardening γ' phase and the kinetics of its coarsening at 700 and 800°C have been determined. It is found that, during prolonged annealing at 800°C, the γ' → β phase transformation occurs.     

Rare-earth metals in nickel aluminide-based alloys: III. Structure and properties of multicomponent Ni<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al-based alloys

The possibility of increasing the life of heterophase cast light Ni₃Al-based superalloys at temperatures higher than 0.8T _m of Ni₃Al is studied when their directional structure is additionally stabilized by nanoprecipitates, which form upon additional alloying of these alloys by refractory and active metals, and using special methods for preparing and melting of an alloy charge. The effect of the method of introducing the main components and refractory reaction-active and surface-active alloying elements into Ni₃Al-based cast superalloys, which are thermally stable natural composite materials of the eutectic type, on the structure-phase state and the life of these alloys is studied. When these alloys are melted, it is necessary to perform a set of measures to form particles of refractory oxide cores covered with the β-NiAl phase and, then, γ′_prim-Ni₃Al phase precipitates during solidification. The latter phase forms the outer shell of grain nuclei, which provides high thermal stability and hot strength of an intermetallic compound-based alloy. As a result, a modified structure that is stabilized by the nanoprecipitates of nickel and aluminum lanthanides and the nanoprecipitates of phases containing refractory metals is formed. This structure enhances the life of the alloy at 1000 °C by a factor of 1.8–2.5.     

Influence of the thermal treatment temperature on the microstructure and phase composition of casts of β-Solidifying TNM alloy based on the Ti-Al-Nb-Mo system

This study is aimed at investigating the influence of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the microstructure and phase composition of titanium aluminide-based alloys using experimental and computational methods. Isothermal and polythermal sections of the Ti-Al-Nb-Mo system are computed using the Thermo-Calc program, and temperatures of liquidus, solidus, and other phase transformations are found. It is shown that the general character of the microstructure after vacuum annealing and after HIP treatment at t = 1250°C is approximately the same: eutectoid colonies γ + α₂ and relatively compact particles of phases β and γ. However, in contrast to vacuum annealing, HIP does not lead to the elimination of casting porosity. Data from metallographic analysis and electron probe microanalysis in general confirm the results of calculation.     

Influence of the nonequilibrium crystallization on the phase composition of the Al-Mo-Ti alloy

The phase composition, microstructure, and crystal structure of the AMT TU-48-4-366 (Technical Specifications) foundry alloy (which is used as the alloying material when smelting titanium alloys) are investigated by X-ray phase analysis, electron probe microanalysis, and microscopy. Lattice parameters of ?, p, and δ phases are calculated and their elemental composition is revealed. No formation of the Mo₃Al refractory phase (t _m = 2150°C) is observed during the primary crystallization of the Al-Mo-Ti foundry alloy in nonequilibrium conditions. Its presence in the refractory phase in the foundry alloy is caused by secondary crystallization processes, during which an ultradispersed mixture of Mo₃Al + Mo₃Al₈ + TiMoAl₆ phases is formed at temperatures 1311 and 1314°C. The ultradispersed silicon-containing σ phase with the Mo_2.4Ti_2.1Si_0.8Al_4.7 average composition, which was formed in nonequilibrium crystallization conditions, is revealed. Parameters and interplanar distances of its lattice are determined. It is established that the largest nonuniformity by molybdenum in peritectics of primary crystals occurs at a high crystallization rate, i.e., in the lower part of the Al-Mo-Ti ingot.     

Characterization of dispersed intermetallic Phases in Rapidly Quenched Al-Ti-Ce Alloys

The microstructures of Al-3Ti-lCe (wt pct) and Al-5Ti-5Ce alloys melt-spun under controlled He atmosphere have been characterized using analytical electron microscopy. The rapidly so- lidified microstructures comprise uniform, fine-scale dispersions of intermetallic phase in an aluminum matrix, and particular attention has been given to identification of the dispersed phases. In the Al-3Ti-lCe alloy, the dispersed particles are polycrystalline with a complex twinned substructure and a diamond cubic crystal structure (α _o = 1.44 ± 0.01 nm) and composition consistent with the ternary compound Al₂₀Ti₂Ce (Al₁₈Cr₂Mg₃ structure type, space group Fd3m). In the Al-5Ti-5Ce alloy, there is, in addition to the dispersed ternary phase, a separate uniform array of fine-scale particles of the binary compound Al₁₁Ce₃. The majority of such particles have the body-centered orthorhombic structure of the low-temperature polymorph, α-Al₁₁Ce₃, but there is evidence to suggest that at least some particles developvia initial formation of the high-temperature body-centered tetragonal phase, β-Al₁₁Ce₃. The accumulated evidence sug- gests that both binary and ternary particles formed as primary phases directly from the melt during rapid solidification, leaving only small concentrations of solute in aluminum matrix solid solution. Both phases are observed to be resistant to coarsening for up to 240 hours at 400 °C.