Atomic site location by channelling enhanced microanalysis (ALCHEMI) in γ′-strengthened Ni- and Pt-base alloys

The additions of alloying elements to Ni- and Pt-base alloys influence the microstructure and thereby the creep properties, whereas the mechanism is uncertain. Therefore atomic site location by channelling enhanced microanalysis (ALCHEMI) was used to determine the site partitioning of ternary and quaternary alloying elements in the L12-ordered γ′-phase. Two ternary Ni–Al alloys with Cr and Ti additions were investigated. The measured site partitioning showed that Cr and Ti atoms prefer the Al-sublattice sites. For a ternary Pt–Al–Cr alloy, it was found that Cr atoms occupy Al sites. The influence of Ni as a fourth alloying element in a Pt–Al–Cr–Ni alloy on the site partitioning was also investigated. The detected results give evidence that in the quaternary alloy Cr and Ni atoms prefer the Pt sublattice. First principles calculations were used to support the experimental data.