Microstructural and mechanical property changes with aging of Mo–41Re and Mo–47.5Re alloys

The changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo–41Re and Mo–47.5Re alloys were investigated following 1100 h thermal aging at 1098, 1248 and 1398 K. The electrical resistivity, hardness and tensile properties of the alloys were measured both before and after aging, along with the alloy microstructures though investigation by optical and electron microscopy techniques. The Mo–41Re alloy retained a single-phase solid solution microstructure following 1100 h aging at all temperatures, exhibiting no signs of precipitation, despite measurable changes in resistivity and hardness in the 1098 K aged material. Annealing Mo–47.5Re for 1 h at 1773 K resulted in a two-phase αMo + σ structure, with subsequent aging at 1398 K producing a further precipitation of the σ phase along the grain boundaries. This resulted in increases in resistivity, hardness and tensile strength with a corresponding reduction in ductility. Aging Mo–47.5Re at 1098 and 1248 K led to the development of the χ phase along grain boundaries, resulting in decreased resistivity and increased hardness and tensile strength while showing no loss in ductility relative to the as-annealed material.