On the Microstructure and Properties of Nb-12Ti-18Si-6Ta-2.5W-1Hf (at.%) Silicide-Based Alloys with Ge and Sn Additions.

Jiang Zhao,Claire Utton,Panos Tsakiropoulos

doi:10.3390/ma13071778

Abstract

In this paper two Nb-silicide-based alloys with nominal compositions (at.%) Nb-12Ti-18Si-6Ta-2.5W-1Hf-2Sn-2Ge (JZ1) and Nb-12Ti-18Si-6Ta-2.5W-1Hf-5Sn-5Ge (JZ2) were studied. The alloys were designed using the alloy design methodology NICE to meet specific research objectives. The cast microstructures of both alloys were sensitive to solidification conditions. There was macro-segregation of Si in JZ1 and JZ2. In both alloys the βNb5Si3 was the primary phase and the Nbss was stable. The A15-Nb3X (X = Ge,Si,Sn) was stable only in JZ2. The Nbss+βNb5Si3 eutectic in both alloys was not stable as was the Nb3Si silicide that formed only in JZ1. At 800 °C both alloys followed linear oxidation kinetics and were vulnerable to pesting. At 1200 °C both alloys exhibited parabolic oxidation kinetics in the early stages and linear kinetics at longer times. The adhesion of the scale that formed on JZ2 at 1200 °C and consisted of Nb and Ti-rich oxides, silica and HfO2 was better than that of JZ1. The microstructure of JZ2 was contaminated by oxygen to a depth of about 200 μm. There was no Ge or Sn present in the scale. The substrate below the scale was richer in Ge and Sn where the NbGe2, Nb5(Si1-xGex)3, W-rich Nb5(Si1-xGex)3, and A15-Nb3X compounds (X = Ge,Si,Sn) were formed in JZ2. The better oxidation behavior of JZ2 compared with JZ1 correlated well with the decrease in VEC and increase in δ parameter values, in agreement with NICE. For both alloys the experimental data for Si macrosegregation, vol.% Nbss, chemical composition of Nbss and Nb5Si3, and weight gains at 800 and 1200 °C was compared with the calculations (predictions) of NICE. The agreement was very good. The calculated creep rates of both alloys at 1200 °C and 170 MPa were lower than that of the Ni-based superalloy CMSX-4 for the same conditions but higher than 10−7 s−1.

Highlights

IntroductionNi-based superalloys, which are currently the metallic materials of choice for the hottest parts in state-of-the-art gas turbine engines, operate at temperatures greater than 90% of their melting temperatures assisted by cooling and coatings systems that cause loss of thermal efficiency [1]
Ni-based superalloys, which are currently the metallic materials of choice for the hottest parts in state-of-the-art gas turbine engines, operate at temperatures greater than 90% of their melting temperatures assisted by cooling and coatings systems that cause loss of thermal efficiency [1].These materials have reached their upper temperature limit, which is imposed by the melting point of Ni
The better oxidation behavior of JZ2 compared with JZ1 correlated well with the decrease in VEC and increase in δ parameter values, in agreement with NICE

Summary

Introduction

Ni-based superalloys, which are currently the metallic materials of choice for the hottest parts in state-of-the-art gas turbine engines, operate at temperatures greater than 90% of their melting temperatures assisted by cooling and coatings systems that cause loss of thermal efficiency [1]. These materials have reached their upper temperature limit, which is imposed by the melting point of Ni. New metallic materials with good long-term microstructural stability and load-bearing capabilities at higher turbine entry temperatures are needed to enable future aero-engines to meet performance and emission targets [1,2].

Results

Discussion

Conclusion