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Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a novel γ′ phase-strengthened Ir-W-Al-Th superalloy

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Abstract

The present work introduces a novel γ′ phase-strengthened Ir-W-Al-Th superalloy for ultrahigh-temperature applications. First, the as-cast microstructure and phase transformation of Ir-13W-6Al-0.15Th (at%) alloy during solid solution and aging were investigated. Phase transformation was observed during heat treatment. The primary γ′ phase disappeared via the redissolution of γ′ → γ at 1800 °C. The recrystallization took place at 1450 °C and very fine equiaxed γ′/γ grains formed after 240 h. The cold-rolled microstructure indicated that the room-temperature γ phase was brittle and cracks mainly emerged along grain boundaries. Ir-13W-6Al-0.15Th alloy exhibited a higher nanohardness than other Ir-based superalloys and pure Ir, which can be attributed to the solid solution and precipitation (γ′) strengthening. In addition, the as-cast Ir-13W-6Al-0.15Th alloy shows a medium room-temperature compressive yield strength and good ductility.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the fund of the National Key R & D Program of China (No. 2017YFB0305500) and the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies for Comprehensive Utilization of Platinum Metals (No. SKL-SPM-2018010).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710072, China

    Jie-Ren Yang, Xiao Fang, Zi-Tong Gao & Rui Hu

  2. Shaanxi Key Laboratory of High-Performance Precision Forming Technology and Equipment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710072, China

    Jie-Ren Yang

  3. State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies for Comprehensive Utilization of Platinum Metals, Kunming Institute of Precious Metals, Kunming, 650106, China

    Yi Liu & Ming Wen

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  1. Jie-Ren Yang
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  2. Xiao Fang
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Correspondence to Jie-Ren Yang.

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Yang, JR., Fang, X., Liu, Y. et al. Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a novel γ′ phase-strengthened Ir-W-Al-Th superalloy. Rare Met. 40, 3588–3597 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-020-01682-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-020-01682-0

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