Ni-base superalloys : alloying and microstructural control

Abstract

Ni-base superalloys are a class of structural materials with a combination of excellent high-temperature strength and superior creep and fatigue resistance, which make them attractive toward various high-temperature applications in aerospace and power-generation industries. These materials are complex multicomponent systems, which usually contain more than ten elements and form a γ/γ′ dual-phase microstructure. In this chapter, the composition, microstructure, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of Ni-base superalloys are reviewed. In particular, the alloying effects on the precipitate microstructure and thermal stability of Ni-base superalloys are critically discussed, and the key factors governing the creep resistance of these materials are analyzed. This chapter can serve as a reference guide for future research into new-generation Ni-base superalloys with superior thermal stability and mechanical properties for high-temperature applications.