Effect of Ta addition on solidification microstructure and element segregation of IN617B nickel-base superalloy

IN617B nickel-base superalloy is considered as a good candidate material in 700℃advanced ultrasupercritical coal-fired power plants.The effect of Ta addition on solidification microstructure and element segregation of IN617B alloy was investigated by OM,SEM,TEM,EDS,EPMA and thermodynamic calculation.The results showed that the solidification microstructure exhibited a dendritic segregation pattern with many primary carbides distributed in interdendritic regions,such as network M_(6)C,lath M_(23)C_(6) and granular Ti(C,N).The addition of Ta promoted the precipitation of Ta-rich MC significantly inhibiting the precipitation of M_(6)C and M_(23)C_(6),and reduced the segregation degree of Al,Mo and Ti alloying elements.The addition of Ta decreased the melting temperature of MC carbide,but did not impact the solidification path,that was,L→γmatrix→MC or Ti(C,N)→M_(6)C→M_(23)C_(6),where MC and Ti(C,N)tended to form symbiotic microstructure with M_(6)C.This study will provide theoretical basis and data support for the alloy optimization and casting structure control of IN617B nickel-based superalloy.

Effect of carbon and boron additions on segregation behavior of directionally solidified nickel-base superalloys with rhenium

The phase transformation temperature, segregation behavior of elements and as-cast microstructure were investigated in experimental nickel-base superalloys with different levels of carbon and boron. The results show that the liquidus temperature decreases gradually but the carbide solvus temperature increases obviously with increasing carbon addition. Minor boron addition to the alloy decreases the liquidus temperature, carbide solvus temperature and solidus temperature slightly. Apart from rhenium, the segregation coefficients of the elements alter insignificantly with the addition of carbon. The segregation behavior of rhenium, tungsten and tantalum become more severe with boron addition. The volume fraction and size of primary carbides increase with increasing carbon addition. The main morphology of the carbides is script-like in the alloys with carbon addition while the carbide sheets tend to be concentrated and coarse in the boron-containing alloys

Effect of Cooling Rates on Solidification Microstructures and Tensile Property of a Novel Wrought Superalloy

The effects of cooling rates on solidification behaviors,segregation characteristics and tensile property of GH4151 alloy were investigated using microstructure characterization and tensile test.Firstly,a relationship between the secondary dendrite arm spacing and cooling rate was determined and it was confirmed to be valid.Secondly,it can be found from microstructure observations that the morphology of(Nb,Ti)C carbides transits from blocky and script type to fine script type and spotty type,and the refinedγ'phase was observed due to decrease of segregation with increasing cooling rates.Thirdly,the solidification microstructures of the industrial-scale samples were analyzed.The morphology ofηphase changes from indistinguishable shape,fine needle-like shape to large block-like shape with increasing ingot diameter.As a result,the mechanical properties of alloy decrease due to increase of brittle precipitations.The experimental results show that the precipitation behavior of GH4151 is affected by segregation degree of elements,and the segregation degree is determined by solute distribution process and solid back-diffusion process.

Solidification characteristics and hot tearing susceptibility of Ni-based superalloys for turbocharger turbine wheel

The solidification characteristics and the hot tearing susceptibility were investigated on two Ni-based superalloys for turbocharger turbine wheel, K418 and K419. The segregation behaviors of the alloying elements and the precipitation phases were also studied. The results show that the solidification behavior of K419 alloy is complicated when compared with K418 due to the interdendritic segregation of many kinds of strong interdendritic partitioning elements in the remaining liquid at the final stage of solidification. The segregation of multiple elements in interdendritic liquid results in an extremely low solidus in K419. A long residual liquid stage is found during the solidification of K419, giving rise to reduced cohesion strength of dendrites and increased sensitivity to hot tearing. A hot tearing susceptibility coefficient（HTS） criterion is proposed based on a hot tearing sensitive model. The HTS value of K419 alloy is larger than that of K418 alloy.

Investigation of Solidification and Segregation Characteristics of Cast Ni-Base Superalloy K417G

Differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） analysis, isothermal solidification experiment and Thermo-Calc simulation were employed to investigate solidification characteristics of K417G Ni-base superalloy. Elec- tron probe microanalysis （EPMA） was employed to analyze the segregation characteristics. Liquidus, solidus and the formation temperatures of main phases were measured. In the process of solidification, the volume fraction of liquid dropped dramatically in the initial stage, while the dropping rate became very low in the final stage due to severe segregation of positive segregation elements into the residual liquid. The solidification began with the formation of primary γ. Then with solidification proceeding, Ti and Mo were enriched in the liquid interdendrite, which resulted in the precipitation of MC carbides in the interdendrite. A1 accumulated into liquid at the initial stage, but gathered to solid later due to the precipitation of γ/γ＇ eutectic at the intermediate stage of solidification. However, Co tended to segregate toward the solid phase. In the case of K417G alloy, combining DSC analysis and isothermal solidification experiment is a good way to investigate the solidification characteristics. Thermo-Calc simulation can serve as reference to investigate K417G alloy.

Effect of Zr on solidification and microstructure of a Ni-based superalloy with high Al and Ti contents

The total content of Al and Ti in advanced Ni-based wrought superalloys is up to 7.5wt.%,which makes it easier to form harmful nonequilibrium eutectic(γ+γ′)andηphase.It has been reported that the addition of certain amount of Zr can modify precipitation of the nonequilibrium phases obviously,but the mechanism is still controversial.The effect of Zr ranging from<0.0006wt.%to 0.150wt.%on solidification behavior,segregation and microstructure of a Ni-based superalloy with high Al and Ti contents was investigated,eliminating the interferences of C and B.Results show that increase in Zr content significantly promotes the formation of eutectic(γ+γ′),ηand Zr-rich phase in the interdendritic region.Besides the Zr-rich phase,Zr dissolves slightly in the eutecticγ′and obviously in theηphase.An interesting phenomenon is discovered that the Zr addition significantly increases the area fraction of liquid pools and enlarges the forming range ofγdendrites,which suggests that Zr markedly retards the solidification.Zr affects the eutectic(γ+γ′)andηformation mainly due to the retard of solidification and dissolution of Zr in them.The retard of solidification obviously increases the residual liquid fraction and undercooling.Zr can serve as a forming element for the eutectic(γ+γ′)andηphase,and the obvious dissolution of Zr inηphase significantly decreases the critical concentration of Ti for its precipitation.

Solidification Behavior and Segregation of Re-containing Cast Ni-base Superalloy with Different Cr Content

The effect of chromium（Cr） on solidification and segregation behavior of Re-containing cast Ni-base superalloys was investigated by optical microscopy（OM）,scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and electronic probe micro analysis（EPMA）.The results show that Cr has significant effect on solidification and segregation behavior of Re-containing cast Ni-base superalloys.The liquidus and solidus of alloy decrease with increasing Cr in alloys.The segregation coefficient（K） of Mo increases and that of W and Re decreases gradually with increasing Cr element.

Solute redistribution and Rayleigh number in the mushy zone during directional solidification of Inconel 718

The interdendritic segregation along the mushy zone of directionally solidified superalloy Inconel 718 has been measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersion analysis spectrometry (EDAX) techniques and the corresponding liquid composition profile was presented. The liquid density and Rayleigh number (Ra) profiles along the mushy zone were calculated as well. It was found that the liquid density difference increased from top to bottom in the mushy zone and there was no density inversion due to the segregation of Nb and Mo. However carbide formation in the freezing range and the preferred angle of the orientated dendrite array could prompt the fluid flow in the mushy zone although there was no liquid density inversion. The largest relative Rayleigh number appeared at 1,326 degrees C for Inconel 718 where the fluid flow most easily occurred.

Microstructure and Its Influence on Mechanical Behaviour of Directionally Solidified DZ38G Superalloy

The features of microstructure and their influence on mechanical properties on stress-rupture as well as thermal fatigue of directionally solidified DZ38G nickel-base su- peralloy have been investigated.It has been found that the contents of carbides on grain boundaries are increased and morphology of γ'- precipitates has been changed after testing. Particularly γ'-precipitates coalesced into raft-like in morphology perpendicular to the applied stress-axis have been observed that has no detrimental effect on the stress-rupture behaviour.The tendency of σ-formation has also been discussed.The σ-phase can be avoided when the process parameters are chosen appropriately during solidification.

Role of carbon in modifying solidification and microstructure of a Ni?based superalloy with high Al and Ti contents

The effect of carbon ranging from 0.014 to 0.071 wt.%on the solidification and microstructure of a Ni-based superalloy with high Al and Ti contents was studied.The results show that the increase in carbon addition significantly increases the size and volume fraction of MC carbides and promotes the change of their morphology from blocky to elongated shape.However,the carbon addition obviously decreases the size and volume fraction of eutectic(γ+γ′)and reducesηphase and borides formation.The change in carbide characteristics is mainly because of the increasing carbide-forming element and carbides precipitation temperature with the increase in carbon which favors the growth of them along the interdendritic liquid film.MC carbides are formed at an earlier solidification stage than the eutectic(γ+γ′).The increased carbide formation consumes more Ti,which delays and reduces the eutectic(γ+γ′)precipitation.The delay of eutectic(γ+γ′)precipitation leads to a deeper undercooling,which significantly decreases the critical Ti concentration for its precipitation.This,in turn,lowers Ti/Al ratio in residual liquids ahead of the eutectic(γ+γ′)and hence reducesηformation subsequently.B and Zr are slightly enriched in the carbides,which are considered during discussing how carbon influences the eutectic(γ+γ′)precipitation.

Influence of Substituting W for Nb or Hf on Solidification Behavior of a Typical Co-Ni-Al-W Based Superalloy

Understanding the effects of various elements on solidification behavior is crucial for designing the composition ofγ’-strengthened Co-based superalloys and is fundamental for controlling the as-cast structure and formulating subsequent heat treatment processes.This research investigated the effects of replacing 1 at.%W with 1 at.%Nb or Hf elements on the solidification behavior of Co-Ni-Al-W-based superalloys.The findings revealed that substituting W with Nb and Hf resulted in a notable decrease in both the solidus temperature(TS)and liquidus temperature(TL).Specifically,the substitution of W with Nb lowered TS from 1353℃ to 1332℃ and TL from 1383℃ to 1368℃,while replacing W with Hf decreased TS from 1353℃ to 1330℃ and TL from 1383℃ to 1366℃.Moreover,both Nb and Hf element are positive segregation element,while Nb decreases and Hf increases W segregation,respectively.During the final solidification stage,the substitution of W with Nb resulted in the formation of eutectic(γ+γ’),Co_(3)Ta,and a small amount ofμ-Co7Nb6 phase,while replacing W with Hf resulted in the formation of the Laves phase andβ-CoAl phase.The solidification paths of the three alloys were confirmed based on the result of differential scanning calorimetry,isothermal solidification experiment and Thermo-calc simulation.These results offer a theoretical basis for the composition design and optimization of heat treatment processes for Co-Ni-Al-W-based superalloys.

Improvement for creep strength of a second-generation single crystal superalloy by design of heat treatments

Design of heat treatments is related to the key technology for development of nickel-based single crystal superalloys(Ni-SXs). Based on the full understanding of the solidification characteristics, this work applies optimization design of heat treatments for a second-generation Ni-SX. Microstructure evolution and creep properties are compared in the material under conventional/standard(Std.) and optimized(Opt.) treatments. For the Std. sample,strong dendritic segregations determine inconsistent microstructure evolution in the dendritic(D) and interdendritic region(ID), while the latter serves as weak area to have the prior microcrack initiation, damaging overall performance of the alloy. The Opt. treatment applies higher homogenization temperature, leading to overall reduced segregations, while not inducing incipient melting. A lower temperature of first-step ageing is used to lower the size ofγ'particles. These help to form the more uniform microstructure in dendritic and interdendritic region and relieve the inconsistent microstructure evolution. The balanced local strength makes ID no longer as the weak area,thus restricting microcrack initiation. Great improvement of high temperature and low stress property is obtained by this progress, leading to the pronounced increase of creep rupture life under 1100 °C/140 MPa.

抽拉速率对定向凝固柱晶DZ4125高温合金组织及偏析行为的影响

采用Bridgman定向凝固法制备了DZ4125定向凝固高温合金,研究抽拉速率对DZ4215合金显微组织及偏析行为的影响。结果表明,随着抽拉速率的增加,合金中一次和二次枝晶间距逐渐减小;γ'相尺寸逐渐减小,且形貌由不规则立方体状、蝴蝶状向规则立方体状转变;枝晶间γ'相尺寸和数量均高于枝晶干处的。碳化物和γ+γ'共晶组织主要分布于枝晶间区域,且随着抽拉速率的提高,碳化物形貌从骨架状逐渐向长条状、块状转变,分布更加弥散、均匀。在定向凝固DZ4125合金中,Co和W为正偏析元素,Al、Ti、Ta、Mo为负偏析元素。随着抽拉速率的增加,正偏析元素的偏析程度降低,负偏析元素的偏析程度增加。

不同冷却速率对GH4151高温合金定向凝固组织及元素偏析的影响

为了进一步降低合金凝固偏析程度和优化真空自耗冶炼(VAR)工艺,利用液态金属冷却法(LMC)对GH4151合金进行定向凝固实验,采用光学显微镜、扫描电镜及电子探针等研究了冷却速率对GH4151合金定向凝固组织及元素偏析的影响。结果表明:随着冷却速率的增加,一次枝晶间距λ_(1)及二次枝晶间距λ_(2)均逐渐减小,两者与冷却速率间满足相似的函数关系。而且,枝晶干及枝晶间γ′相尺寸也随冷却速率的增加逐渐减小,组织均匀性提高。对凝固组织元素成分分布的电子探针分析表明:GH4151合金主要偏析元素为W、Nb、Ti,偏离程度在20%以上,且3种元素显微偏析程度均随冷却速率的增加而加重,原因在于随着冷却速率增加,凝固前沿固相层可供溶质扩散的时间减少,扩散效果减弱。

Co含量对一种新型高温合金铸态及热处理组织的影响

利用高温度梯度真空定向凝固方法,在保持其他元素不变的情况下,制备3种不同Co含量(质量分数,下同)的新型第四代镍基单晶高温合金,研究了Co含量对合金定向铸造凝固过程、热处理过程中偏析行为及显微组织演化的影响规律.研究结果表明:不同Co含量合金的初熔温度变化不大;随着Co含量的增加,合金的固、液相线温度升高,3种铸态合金中,质量分数为9%的Co合金(以下简称9%Co)的一次枝晶干与二次枝晶干间距最小,(γ+γ′)共晶组织含量最多;9%Co合金铸态组织偏析最为明显,Co含量的变化对Re和W等典型负偏析元素的偏析系数影响较大,而对Al和Ta等典型正偏析元素的偏析系数未见明显影响.合金经固溶处理后共晶回溶、枝晶偏析得以消除,二次时效处理后,随着Co含量的增加,γ′相平均尺寸及立方度的变化趋势均为先增大再略微减小.标准热处理后,Co含量对γ′相体积分数未见明显影响,且9%Co合金具有最佳的γ′相平均尺寸和立方度.

采用低温度梯度HRS工艺制备的镍基单晶高温合金雀斑组织

通过在高速凝固法(HRS)定向凝固过程中调整隔热挡板与壳型之间的间隙,获得了较低的定向凝固温度梯度(～30℃/cm),制备了含有雀斑组织的单晶高温合金试棒。结果表明:采用常规HRS工艺(温度梯度～50℃/cm)制备的合金一次枝晶间距为323μm,含有1.70%铸态共晶;而采用较低温度梯度HRS工艺制备的合金一次枝晶间距达到了704μm,是常规HRS工艺的2.2倍,并且合金的二次枝晶及三次枝晶较为发达;此外,雀斑组织区域包含较多平均晶粒尺寸为200μm的等轴晶晶粒和4.64%的铸态共晶,同时分布着富集Ta元素的MC碳化物。定向凝固过程中较低的温度梯度增大了合金的一次枝晶间距并使合金元素的凝固偏析加重,导致糊状区液相发生对流的倾向增大,从而促进了雀斑组织的形成。

磷含量对GH761合金凝固、偏析及η相析出的影响

本文用金相、电子探针等方法研究了磷对ＧＨ７６１合金凝固过程、元素偏析及η相析出的影响。结果表明，随合金中磷含量升高，磷大量地偏析于枝晶间，强烈地降低合金的终凝温度，促进Ｔｉ，Ｎｉ等元素的偏析，抑制Ｍｏ，Ｂ，Ｓ，Ｓｉ等元素的偏析，磷显著地促进η相的析出，降低η相析出温度。

熔体过热处理对M963合金凝固偏析的影响

研究了熔体过热处理对M963铸造镍基高温合金凝固偏析的影响。结果表明,熔体过热处理对Al,Co和Ni的偏析影响不大;1 923 K,5 min熔体过热处理,使Ti,Nb和W的偏析增大,Mo和Cr的偏析减小。元素偏析程度的改变是由于合金熔体结构的变化引起的。

DZ68镍基高温合金的凝固偏析

利用硅-碳管炉制备凝固样品,采用金相显微镜观察DZ68合金的凝固过程,利用电子探针测定DZ68合金凝固过程中的元素含量,研究DZ68合金的凝固过程及合金元素、杂质元素的偏析行为。结果表明:DZ68合金的凝固过程主要在1370～1310℃内完成,合金的终凝温度介于1180～1200℃之间;DZ68合金中主元素W、Re、Ta、Al的偏析系数经测定分别为2.2、4.5、0.58和0.8,其中W和Re为强烈负偏析元素,Ta是强烈正偏析元素;有害杂质元素S、P、B和Si在枝晶间发生严重偏聚。热力学分析表明,这些偏聚的杂质元素在枝晶间可能形成Ni3P、Ni3S2和M3B2等低熔点化合物,从理论上解释了DZ68合金终凝温度降低的原因。

Haynes230合金凝固过程中的相变及元素偏析

利用差热分析(DTA)研究了Haynes230合金凝固过程的相变,结合光学显微镜(OM)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)及能谱仪(EDS)分析了该合金的凝固组织和偏析程度,计算了主要偏析元素的偏析系数。结果表明:Haynes230合金铸态组织主要是由γ固溶体基体,M6C型碳化物和W(Cr)的体心立方相组成,合金的凝固顺序为L→L+γ→L+(γ+M6C)+γ→M6C+W(Cr)+γ,Cr、W、Mo元素的偏析系数分别为2.03、1.96、1.81。