Effect of long-term thermal exposure on microstructure and creep properties of DD5 single crystal superalloy

The effect of thermal exposure on the microstructure and creep properties of the Ni-based single crystal superalloy in different test conditions was studied. Long-term exposure was performed at 1,000 °C and 1,100 °C for 500 h prior to the creep tests. The creep lifetime is found to be improved after the long-term exposure at 1,000 °C for 500 h as a result of the formation of secondary M23C6 in the interdendritic region. The coarsening of γ′ precipitates accompanied by the formation of TCP phase lead to the degradation of alloy, which is responsible for the reduction of the creep lifetime of Ni-base single crystal superalloy after long-term exposure at 1,100 °C for 500 h. The creep lifetime of 1,000 °C thermally exposed sample under the conditions of 1,093 °C/137 MPa is lower than that of heat-treated state. Thermal exposure at 1,100 °C for 500 h causes the creep lifetime to drop drastically.