Optimization of Ta Content of a Third Generation Ni<sub>3</sub>Al Base Single Crystal Superalloy

Abstract

In order to optimize the Ta content of a newly developed 3rd generation Ni3Al-based single crystal superalloy, a series of alloys with the varying of Ta content of 3.0, 4.2, 4.5, 6.0wt. % were prepared. The experimental results showed that with the addition of Ta, the size and volume fraction of bulky γ' phase significantly increased while the primary dendrite arm spacing decreased. Meanwhile, the difficulty of solution treatment significantly increased with increasing Ta content. And the thermodynamic calculation results showed that the volume fractions of γ' phase in this series of alloys were significantly higher than those of typical Ni based single crystal superalloys, indicating that the 3rd generation Ni3Al based single crystal superalloys can serve in the temperature of 1150oC to 1200oC.