Compositional effect on TCP phase formation in Ru-containing Ni-based single crystal superalloys

Abstract

Microstructural instability involving the formation of topologically close-packed (TCP) phases is restricted during the alloy development of Ni-based single crystal superalloys. In this study, the effects of alloying elements including Co, Cr, Mo and Ru on the formation of different TCP phases were investigated in a series of single crystal superalloys. Experimental results showed that more additions of Cr and Mo promoted the TCP phase formation, while Co and Ru played a positive role in improving microstructural stability. It is indicated that σ, P and R phases existed with various morphology and compositions in different experimental alloys during thermal exposure at 1100 °C. The content of Co, Cr and Mo in those alloys affected the types of TCP phases significantly, while Ru additions showed a negligible effect. R phase was prone to form in alloys containing high level of Co addition. Meanwhile, the ratio of Cr and Mo content had strong influence on the formation of σ and P phases in alloys containing low level of Co addition. The effects of alloying additions on the elemental partitioning ratios between γ and γ′ phases contributed to their corresponding influence on TCP phase formation. © 2014 Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences.