An Integrated HIP Heat-Treatment of a Single Crystal Ni-Base Superalloy

Abstract

The heat-treatment of a second generation single crystal Ni-base superalloy was implemented in a hot isostatic press providing fast quenching rates. Thus, it is possible to homogenize chemical heterogeneities, close porosity, and to set a fine and uniform γ/γ′-microstructure via fast quenching and subsequent aging in one processing step. The microstructural evolution in dependence of parameters such as temperature, pressure, and quenching is investigated on different length scales using diverse characterization methods. A virtually defect-free microstructure is the outcome of this unique integrated supersolvus HIP heat-treatment.