Phase Equilibria and Microhardness of As-Cast and Annealed Ni-Al-Os Alloys in Ni-Rich Region

In this paper, the isothermal section at 1273 K and liquidus projection of ternary Ni-Al-Os system in Ni-rich region were firstly measured by using 6 annealed and 6 as-cast Ni-Al-Os alloys with 65 at.% Ni in combination with x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and electron probe microanalysis techniques. For the determined partial isothermal section at 1273 K, 2 single-phase, 4 two-phase and 2 three-phase regions were observed. The solubilities of Os in both γ and γ′ phases were also determined. For the proposed liquidus projection, four primary surfaces of γ′, γ, β and δ, and two invariant reactions were identified. Secondly, the microhardness of both as-cast and annealed alloys were measured. The evolution trend of microhardness in both as-cast and annealed alloys with Os addition generally increases first, and then decreases. Thirdly, the further comprehensive discussion on possible substitution of Re by Os in new-generation nickel-based single-crystal superalloys were performed in terms of strengthening degree, high-temperature creep resistance, and possibility for formation of harmful topologically close-packed phases. It was finally concluded that Os may be used as a new additional element to replace or partly replace Re in Ni-based single crystal superalloys.