Influence of Heat Treatment on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of NiCuCrMoTiAlNb Nickel-Based Alloy

Abstract

As-cast NiCuCrMoTiAlNb nickel-based alloys were subjected to two-stage heat treatment, including solution treatment and subsequent aging treatment. Furthermore, the influence of heat treatment on microstructures and mechanical properties of NiCuCrMoTiAlNb nickel-based alloys was further investigated. The as-cast NiCuCrMoTiAlNb Ni-based alloys are able to experience large plastic deformation at room temperature, where nanocrystalline phases are induced. In the case of heat-treated NiCuCrMoTiAlNb nickel-based alloys, with increasing Nb content, plenty of Ni3(Al, Ti) precipitates (γ′ phases) are distributed in the γ matrix and they are able to become the obstacles to impede the movement of dislocations, which is responsible for increasing the yield strength of NiCuCrMoTiAlNb nickel-based alloys. Pile-up of dislocations in the vicinity of γ′ precipitates adversely influences plasticity of NiCuCrMoTiAlNb nickel-based alloys.

Keywords

• nickel-based alloy
• heat treatment
• plastic deformation
• microstructures
• mechanical properties