FIB–SEM tomography of 4th generation PWA 1497 superalloy

• The microstructure of PWA1497 superalloy was examined using FIB–SEM tomography.
• In case of modern single crystal superalloys, measurements of AA are adequate for VV.
• During creep the γ channel width increases from 65 to 193 nm for ruptured specimen.
• Tomography is a useful technique for quantitative studies of material microstructure.

The effect of creep deformation on the microstructure of the PWA 1497 single crystal Ni-base superalloy developed for turbine blade applications was investigated. The aim of the present study was to characterize quantitatively a superalloy microstructure and subsequent development of rafted γ′ precipitates in the PWA 1497 during creep deformation at 982 °C and 248 MPa up to rupture. The PWA1497 microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FIB–SEM electron tomography. The 3D reconstruction of the PWA1497 microstructure is presented and discussed.