Effects of Heat Treatment on Surface Recrystallization and Stress Rupture Properties of a Fourth-Generation Single-Crystal Superalloy after Grit Blasting

Abstract

The specimens of a fourth-generation single-crystal superalloy were grit-blasted and heat-treated in vacuum at 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250 and 1300 °C for 4 h, respectively. Then, the microstructure and the stress rupture properties of the recrystallized alloy were investigated at 1150 °C/120 MPa. The results showed that a cellular recrystallization occurred in the surface layer after heating at 1100, 1150 and 1200 °C for 4 h. An equiaxed recrystallization formed as the specimen was heat-treated at 1300 °C for 4 h, while a mixed recrystallization occurred in the specimen heat-treated at 1250 °C for 4 h. The recrystallized depth clearly increased with a rise of the heat treatment temperature. The stress rupture life continuously decreased with a rise of the heat treatment temperature up to 1250 °C. Although the overall stress rupture life reduced to different degrees, the stress rupture life of specimen after heat treatment at 1300 °C was relatively high and intermediate between those of specimens treated at 1150 and 1200 °C. The fact that the stress rupture life reduced to different degrees after heat treatment can be attributed to the recrystallization of the surface layer and to the microstructure evolution of the interior of the specimen. The small γ′ phase precipitated again after heat treatment at 1300 °C for 4 h. So, the stress rupture life was relatively longer than that after heat treatment at 1200 or 1250 °C although the equiaxed recrystallization formed in the surface layer.