Effect of microstructural evolution and elevated temperature on the mechanical properties of Ni–Cr–Mo alloys

Abstract

This paper characterizes the impact of solidification rate on the morphology and type of microstructural and mechanical properties of a nickel-based superalloy with a nominal composition of Ni–25Cr–18Mo (at.%) in a wide cooling range (5–100K/s). The microstructures of the alloys were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the phase composition was examined by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The phase transitions during the solidification process were investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA) under an Ar atmosphere. It was found that the final microstructure of Ni–25Cr–18Mo alloy mostly depends upon the solidification rate; the microstructures evolve from a coarse dendritic structure to a refined dendritic structure. The mechanical properties of Ni–25Cr–18Mo alloys were examined by using Vickers and Rockwell hardness tests at room temperature and at elevated temperatures from 400°C to 800°C. It was found that the hardness values of the samples were connected with the cooling rate and test temperatures.