Partitioning and nanostructural evolution in model Ni-based superalloys containing W, Re, and Ru studied on a subnanometer scale

Full text: Modern Ni-based sueralloys, for example, Rene N6, rely on a complex microstructure and microchemistry to achieve their superior mechanical and physical properties with up to 10 or more alloying additions. Refractory metal additions are known to improve the high-temperature creep-resistance and the influence and interactions with various alloying additions have drawn much attention. We study partitioning behavior of the alloying elements, growth and coarsening kinetics of γ' (L12 structure) precipitates in a series of model superalloys containing W, Re, and Ru in the earlier stages of the transformation with precipitates several tens of nanometers in diameter. The three-dimensional elemental spatial distribution with respect to γ' (L12 structure) precipitates, their heterophase interfaces, and their temporal evolution with high-temperature aging are characterized by 3D atom-probe (3DAP) microscopy with subnanometer resolution. The overall microstructure is characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which helps in the spanning of length scales. The experimental characterization provides important input parameters for modeling of partitioning and nanostructural evolution by ThermoCalc and PrecipiCalc and thus allows for a critical test of the predictive capabilities of these models. (author)