Improving oxidation resistance of Ni-16Mo-7Cr-4Fe nickel-based superalloy by yttrium microalloying

Microstructure and oxidation behavior of modified Ni-16Mo-7Cr-4Fe alloys by yttrium microalloying were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, grazing incident Xray diffraction and synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence. M6 C and Ni17Y2 phases were observed and the amount of Ni17Y2 increased with yttrium concentration. When the yttrium concentration increased to 0.43 wt.%,some Ni17Y2 chains and multi phase regions containing Ni17Y2, M6 C and γ phase appeared, which is harmful for the oxidation resistance. The alloy containing 0.05 wt.% yttrium showed the best oxidation resistance, which derives its oxidation resistance from the adequate concentration of yttrium in the solid-solution(γ phase), the formation of the protective layer of YCr O3 and chromia oxide and the strengthening effect of yttrium on oxide boundaries.