Thermal analysis of W-free Co–(Ni)–Al–Mo–Nb superalloys

In this investigation, the thermal analysis of W-free cobalt-based superalloys based on Co–Al–Mo–Nb and Co–Ni–Al–Mo–Nb systems was performed. The analysis was performed at different stages of heat treatment process. The differential thermal analysis (DTA) was utilized for the determination of characteristic temperatures related to microstructural changes. First of all, the DTA analysis was carried out for discussing as-cast alloys in the temperature range of 40–1500 °C. The results showed thermal effects connected with melting and important order–disorder transition. The temperature range of 1200–1250 °C was chosen for performance of a first heat treatment operation for the investigated alloys. Specimens were annealed at selected temperature for 5 h. The microstructure of alloys after solution heat treatment was analyzed as well. Afterward, the solutionized specimens were subjected to the further thermal analysis in order to select the aging temperature according to the order–disorder transformation related to formation of γ ′ phase with overall formula Co 3 (Al,X). Five aging variants were performed in the temperature range of 800–1000 with a step of 50 °C. After each stage of heat treatment, SEM/EDS analysis and hardness measurements were performed.