Effect of N content on microsegregation, microstructure and mechanical property of cast Ni-base superalloy K417G

This study investigates the effects of nitrogen (N) content (0.0005–0.0045wt%) on the microsegregation, microstructures and high temperature mechanical properties of cast superalloy K417G. The results show that the segregation of Ti to interdendritic region becomes very serious with increased N content. In all three samples with different N contents, the alloys are typically dendritic morphology and γ′ phases show good cubic structure. With the N content increasing from 0.0005wt% to 0.0045wt%, the volume fraction of γ′ phase in the dendrite decreases, the sizes of γ/γ′ eutectic and MC carbide increase, and the volume fractions of γ/γ′ eutectic, MC carbide and micro-porosity firstly increase but then decrease. N addition changes the morphology of MC carbide from script-like shape to blocky shape, and Ti(C, N) is identified in the alloy with 0.0045wt% N. With the N content increasing, the ultimate and yield strength decrease at elevated temperature, and the ductile and stress rupture life firstly have a sharp decrease and then have a slight increase. The specimen with the minimal content of N shows the best comprehensive mechanical properties. •With addition of high-purity CrN, 3 alloys with different N contents are obtained.•With increased N content, Ti segregates to interdendritic region more seriously.•N content has a significant effect on microstructures and mechanical properties.•N addition changes the morphology of MC carbide from script-like to blocky shape.•Ti(C, N) is identified in the alloy with 0.0045 wt% N.