Effects of grain-boundary configuration on the high-temperature creep strength of cobalt-base L-605 alloys

Abstract

The effects of grain-boundary configuration on the high-temperature creep strength are investigated using commercial cobalt-base L-605 alloys with low carbon content in the temperature range 816 to 1038° C (1500 to 1900° F). Serrated grain boundaries are formed principally by the precipitation of tungsten-rich b c c phase (the same as α2 phase found in Ni-20Cr-20W alloys) on grain boundaries by a relatively simple heat treatment in these alloys. The creep rupture properties are improved by strengthening of grain boundaries by the precipitation of tungsten-rich bcc (α2) phase. The specimens with serrated grain boundaries have longer rupture lives and higher ductility than those with normal straight grain boundaries under low stress and high-temperature creep conditions, while the rupture lives and the creep ductility of both specimens are almost the same under high stresses below 927° C. The matrix of the alloys is strengthened by the precipitation of carbides at temperatures below 927° C and by the precipitation of tungsten-rich α2 phase at 1038° C during creep. It is found that there is an orientation relationship between tungsten-rich a2 phase particles andβ-Co matrix, such that (0 1 1)α2 ¶ (1 1 1)β-Co and [1\(\overline 1 \) 1]α2 ¶ [1\(\overline 1 \) 0]β-Co. The fracture surface of specimens with serrated grain boundaries is a ductile grain-boundary fracture surface, while typical grain-boundary facets prevailed in specimens with straight grain boundaries.