Creep rupture properties of laves phase strengthened Fe--Ta--Cr--W and Fe--Ta--Cr--W--Mo alloys

A small addition of tungsten (0.5 at. percent) was shown to have an effect similar to that of molybdenum on the phase transformation characteristics of alloy Ta7Cr (with a nominal composition of 1 at. percent Ta, 7 at. percent Cr, balance Fe). The existence of time-temperature dependent transformation behavior in alloy Ta7Cr0.5W was confirmed. The effect of spheroidization time and temperature on creep strength was determined. In addition, effect of mechanical processing prior to aging, on creep strength was also determined. It was also shown that by suitable modifications of composition, the grain boundary film can be broken during the aging treatment without the use of spheroidization treatment. Microhardness, tensile and creep properties have been determined. Optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy have been used to follow the microstructural changes and mode of fracture. The creep rupture strength of alloy Ta7CrW alloy was found to be superior to many of the best commercially available ferritic alloys at 12000F. (21 fig., 8 tables)