Deformation Nanotwins and Segregation Assisted Plasticity in Single Crystal Ni-Based Superalloy at Room Temperature

Deformation nanotwin and segregation of Ni, Cr, Al, Co elements in single crystal Ni-based superalloys was observed using the transmission electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis after tensile tests at room temperature. Deformation nanotwins are rooted in the dislocations decomposing during plastic deformation, and elemental segregation can assist plasticity, resulting in twin shearing γ' precipitation in Ni-base superalloys. It proves that the twin and elemental segregation can be activated at room temperature which is independent on the temperature. These critical new findings provide insight into understanding twinning and elemental segregation in plastically deformation of single crystal Ni-based superalloys.