Past, present, and future of SX superalloys

Abstract The present chapter provides a short review of Ni-based superalloys developments, their introduction for the design of aero-engines components as well as improvements in their chemical compositions and processing routes. A specific focus is then paid to French developments of Ni-based single crystal superalloys systems involving public laboratories (Ecole des Mines de Paris, ONERA) and Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly Snecma). Finally, current trends in the use of Ni-based SX superalloys are presented, as well as some possible candidate materials to replace them for (ultra) high temperature applications.