Effect of element Ru on microstructure and creep behaviour of single crystal nickel-based superalloy

ABSTRACTBy means of creep property measurement and microstructure observation, the influence of element Ru on the microstructure and creep behaviour of single crystal nickel-based superalloy is investigated. The results show that the plate-like μ phase is precipitated along {111} plane of the Ru-free alloy during thermal exposure at 1080°C and creep at 980°C. And the precipitation of μ phase in the alloy with 6(wt)%Mo and 6(wt)%W may be restrained by adding 2% Ru element. Compared to Ru-free alloy, the creep life of the 2% Ru single crystal alloy at 980°C200 MPa increases form 123 h to 333h. Compared to the 2% Ru alloy, the precipitated plate-like μ phase in the Ru-free alloy may promote the initiation and propagation of cracks along the γ matrix up to fracture, which is thought to be the main reason of the alloy having a lower creep resistances and shorter lifetime.