Topologically close-packed phase precipitation and thermal stability in alloy 22

The thermal stability of Alloy 22 affected by the precipitation of topologically close-packed (TCP) phases was investigated by means of experimental measurements and thermodynamic calculations. Both mill-annealed and welded specimens were exposed to various thermal aging and solution-annealing treatments. Microstructural analyses showed progressive precipitation of TCP phases in both the mill-annealed and welded specimens upon aging at 870 °C. Solution annealing of the welded material results in homogenization of the fusion zone; however, a high annealing temperature of 1300 °C leads to undesirable grain growth. All aging and solutionizing treatments of the welded material enhance precipitation of the secondary phases. Thermodynamic calculations predicted a solvus temperature of 1271 °C for the TCP phase in the interdendritic region as a result of Mo segregation during the solidification of the welded metal. This model prediction is consistent with experimental results showing that precipitates are observed in the welded material after various solution-annealing treatments. Results obtained from the present study suggest that solution-annealing treatments for Alloy 22 disposal containers should be carefully evaluated to assure that a homogeneous single-phase structure will be obtained.