Influence of Ru on the Microstructure of Ni-Base Single Crystal Superalloys

Abstract

Addition of Ru in Ni-base single crystal superalloys had been used to improve the elevated temperature strength and other multiple properties. Significant decreases in stacking fault energy of the γ phase and the volume fraction of γ′ phase are observed with the addition of Ru. As well as serving as an effective solid-solution strengthening element in high refractory content Ni-base single crystal superalloys, Ru additions are able to effectively strengthen both the γ and γ′ phases and suppress the formation of TCP phases. Due to the changes in the partitioning behavior of elements and the slight decrease in the supersaturation of refractory elements in γ phase associated with Ru additions, high temperature creep resistance and the microstructural stability of the alloy are improved remarkable. The influence of Ru on the microstructure of Ni-base single crystal superalloys is reviewed.