Microstructural Characterization of Co-Based ODS Alloys

Co-based ODS alloys, strengthened by nanosized oxide dispersion and γ′ precipitates, are potential high-temperature structural materials. The characteristics of the mechanically alloyed powder and the microstructural evolution of the Co-based ODS alloys were investigated. The results revealed that mechanical alloying had induced the formation of supersaturated solid solution in immiscible Co-Al-W-based alloys, originating mainly from extensive grain boundary region, high dislocation density, and ample point defect. Chemical compositions of mechanically alloyed Co-Al-W-based ODS alloys easily deviate from the γ/γ′ two-phase region, leading to the existence of AlxCo, Co3W, Co7W6, and W phases in addition to the γ and γ′ phases. Nonuniform distribution of alloying elements brings about the differences in morphologies and sizes of γ′ precipitates. Microstructural formation process is impelled by spinodal decomposition mode, and spinodal decomposition behavior has been accelerated in the fine-grained alloy because of the presence of short-circuited diffusion paths for atomic movement.