Effects of Hf additions on high-temperature mechanical properties of a directionally solidified NiAl/Cr(Mo) eutectic alloy

In order to improve the high-temperature mechanical properties of NiAl/Cr(Mo) alloys, the effects of Hf additions on microstructure and mechanical properties were systemically examined. Two directionally solidified alloys with composition of Ni-32Al-28Cr-(6-x)Mo-xHf (x = 0.2 and 0.5 at.%, respectively), named as 0.2Hf and 0.5Hf hereafter, were prepared. The Hf additions disturbed the cellular structure. The 0.2Hf alloy consisted of dendritic structure, while the 0.5Hf alloy had an intercellular structure. In the 0.5Hf alloy, the Ni2AlHf and Ni16Hf6Si7 precipitates were also confirmed. The high-temperature strength and brittle-to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT) increased with increasing of Hf additions, due to the different strengthening mechanism. In contrast, the ductility and creep resistance decreased with increasing of Hf because of the disturbance of cellular structure.