Study of solidification features of nickel-base superalloys in relation with composition

The influence of the six major alloying elements: carbon, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, and aluminum on the solidification sequence of nickel-base superalloys was investigated. The microstructure was found to depend greatly on aluminum and titanium contents. During solidification the liquid is enriched in titanium and molybdenum, whereas the dendrite cores are richer in cobalt. Aluminum and chromium segregate in the liquid or in the dendrite center, depending on alloy nominal composition. Chemical analysis of the carbides showed that their composition changes during solidification, thus affecting the composition of the residual liquid. The composition of carbides is strongly influenced by titanium and molybdenum nominal content in the alloy. Statistical analysis of the transformation temperatures obtained by DTA showed that titanium and aluminum influence the entire solidification sequence.