Fabrication of nanoporous Ni-based superalloy membranes

Ni-based superalloys, containing significant quantities of the ordered γ′-phase for precipitation strengthening, are traditionally used as structural materials in high temperature applications. Here we show a new field of application where the self-assembly of the γ′-phase is utilized to produce nanoporous superalloy membranes with particularly interesting functional properties. We describe the manufacturing process, encompassing thermo-mechanical processing and electrochemical leaching, the resulting microstructure and properties, as well as potential areas of application for this new material class.