Influence of Fe on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in P-doped Ni–Cr–Fe Alloys

Abstract

The influence of Fe on the microstructure and mechanical properties of P-doped Ni–Cr–Fe alloys has been investigated. Results showed that increasing Fe content refined the dendrite microstructure and enhanced the solubility of P in as-cast alloys. The change of microhardness in different dendrite regions was attributed to the segregation of P atoms in solid solution state, which had strengthening effects. Increasing Fe contents from 15.2 to 60.7 wt% reduced the yield strength and tensile strength but had little influence on the elongation of alloys. The stress rupture life of alloys after heat treatment decreased with the increment of Fe contents, and the failure fracture modes transferred from transgranular to intergranular fracture mode. The change of fracture modes was due to the weakness of grain boundaries caused by the increment of Fe. In addition, the precipitation of M23C6 was believed to be related to the segregation of P toward grain boundaries, which led to the fluctuation of carbon and chromium atoms near the grain boundaries in alloys with low Fe contents. Consequently, the increment of Fe decreased the strength of matrix and changed the existence of P atoms and the precipitates at grain boundaries.