Structural characteristics and properties of heat-resistant nickel β-alloys produced via the centrifugal SHS-casting method

Abstract

Employing centrifugal self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) metallurgy, complemented by advanced metallurgical processes such as vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum arc remelting (VAR), yielded the alloy formulation denoted as base–2.5Mo–1.5Re–1.5Ta–0.2Ti. This study investigates the effects of various technological modes and additional metallurgical treatments on the alloy's impurity and non-metallic inclusion content, structural characteristics, mechanical behavior under compression, and its oxidation mechanisms and kinetics when exposed to temperatures of 1150 °C for 30 h. With increasing centrifugal acceleration, the proportion of non-metallic inclusions (number of points) drops from 5 to 1–2 points. The best combination mechanical properties, including σucs = 1640 ± 20 MPa, σys = 1518 ± 10 MPa, and residual deformation were observed in alloys processed under conditions of increased gravitational force (g = 50). Within a centrifugal force range of g = 20÷300, the composition of the synthesis products aligned with the theoretical expectations. The total content of impurities is 0.15 ± 0.02 %, with a decrease in gas impurities–oxygen and nitrogen levels reduced to 0.018 % and 0.0011 %, respectively. The structural analysis of the alloys revealed the presence of globular and streaked inclusions of a chromium-based solid solution embedded within the matrix. Inclusions with thickness of 2–8 μm are present in the intergranular space: (Cr)Ni,Mo,Co, (Cr)Mo,Re and (Cr)Re,Mo. The formation of the Ni(Al,Ti) phase at grain boundaries was identified, contributing to an enhancement in plastic resistance and overall strength of the alloy. Oxidation mechanisms varied across different processing modes, with the size of structural components significantly influencing oxidation kinetics. The weight gain observed in SHS samples was 70 ± 10 g/m2 with oxidation predominantly occurring along the NiAl interphase boundaries and penetrating into the depth of the sample. TEM facilitated the identification of phases enriched with Ti microadditions, reducing the levels of dissolved nitrogen and oxygen within the intermetallic phase to a combined weight percentage (ΣO,N) of 0.0223 wt.%.