Influence of molybdenum on the creep properties of nickel-base superalloy single crystals

The influence of Mo on the creep properties of single crystals of a model nickel-base superalloy has been investigated. The Mo content was systematically varied from 9.8 to 14.6 wt pet in an alloy series based on Ni-6 wt pet Al-6 wt pet Ta. The optimum initial γ-γ′ microstructure for raft development and creep strength was produced in each alloy prior to testing. The creep lives at 982 °C and 234 MPa exhibited a steep peak as a function of Mo content, with the maximum in life occurring at about 14.0 wt pet Mo. Deviations of less than 1 wt pet Mo from the optimum composition resulted in an order of magnitude drop in properties. As the Mo content was increased from 9.8 to 14.0 wt pct, the magnitude of lattice mismatch significantly increased, which was believed to be beneficial because of stronger γ-γ′ interfaces. As the Mo content was increased further from 14.0 to 14.6 w/o, the mechanical properties degraded because of the precipitation of a deleterious third phase. The results suggest that small variations in refractory metal content and initial gg′ size can have profound effects on mechanical properties. Hence, composition ranges and microstructures for the attainment of optimum mechanical properties may be somewhat limited and require close process control.