Dendrite Structure Refinement and Mechanical Property Improvement of a Single Crystal Superalloy

In the present work, the effect of different casting processes on the microstructure and creep properties of the second-generation single-crystal superalloy DD419 was investigated. Under conventional production conditions and a contour-suited thermal insulation method, single crystal rods of types A and B were fabricated, respectively. In comparison to rods A, the solidification process of rods B featured a 1.6-fold increase in the temperature gradient and a 32% reduction in primary dendrite spacing. The γ/γ’ eutectic in the as-cast microstructure, the residual eutectic phase, and porosity after heat treatment were also significantly reduced, resulting in the improved homogeneity of the single crystal castings. Under the testing conditions of 850°C/650MPa and 1050°C/190MPa, the stress rupture life of sample B was enhanced by 25% and 5.2%, respectively, compared to sample A. Therefore, due to dendrite structure refinement, the stress rupture life of the superalloy was evidently improved, especially at medium temperature.