Application of DSC Method in Studies on Phase Transitions of Ni Superalloys

The paper presents results of calorimetric studies of foundry nickel superalloys: IN100, IN713C, Mar-M247 and ŻS6U. Particular attention was paid to determination of phase transitions temperatures during heating and cooling. The samples were heated to a temperature of 1500°C with a rate of 10°C⋅min and then held at this temperature for 5 min. After a complete melting, the samples were cooled with the same rate. Argon with a purity of 99.99% constituted the protective atmosphere. The sample was placed in an alundum crucible with a capacity of 0.45 cm3. Temperature and heat calibration was carried out based on the melting point of high-purity Ni. The tests were carried out by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a Multi HTC high-temperature calorimeter from Setaram. Based on the DSC curves, the following temperatures were determined: solidus and liquidus, dissolution and precipitation of the γ’ phase, MC carbides and melting of the γ’/γ eutectic. In the temperature range of 100-1100°C, specific heat capacity of the investigated superalloys was determined. It was found that the IN713C and IN100 alloys exhibit a higher specific heat while compared to the Mar-M247 and ŻS6U alloys.