Precipitation Behavior during Ageing Treatment of a Single Crystal Nickel-Base Superalloy

The precipitation behavior during ageing treatment of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy was investigated by SEM and TEM. The results showed that tetragonal needle-like σ phase and blocky -W phase precipitated during low temperature ageing treatment after this testing alloy was completely solution heat treated. σ and -W phases robbed of solid solution strengthening alloying element W、Mo in the matrix and degraded high temperature creep rupture property severely. The creep curve of the crystal tested at 1010 °C and 248 MPa exhibited that the steady state creep rate ε was as high as 9.46 × 10-3/h. The creep-rupture life was only 25 hours. -W phase was not formed by decrease of W content properly. A relatively low level of Co could inhibit σ phase precipitation and improve microstructural stability.