The effects of ruthenium on the phase stability of fourth generation Ni-base single crystal superalloys

The formation of topologically close-packed (TCP) phases in nickel-base single crystal superalloys causes considerable degradation of the mechanical properties. It has recently been found that platinum-group metals can be effective in controlling the precipitation of such phases, and this extent of precipitation control requires further investigation. This study compares Ru-containing and non-Ru-containing single crystal superalloys. Scanning electron microscopy microstructural observations showed that the rate of TCP phase precipitations decreased through Ru addition. Transmission electron microscopy microstructural observations showed that the P phase, one of the TCP phases, was eliminated through the addition of Ru. The occurrence of this phenomenon will be discussed.