Specific Features of Rhenium-Alloyed Single-Crystal Nickel Superalloys

Experimental data are presented on the effect of introduction of up to 12 wt % Re on the structure and properties of ZhS-type complexly alloyed casting nickel superalloys intended for the blades of modern aviation gas-turbine engines. Rhenium alloying is found to increase the temperature of onset of melting of the alloys and the temperature of complete dissolution of a hardening. gamma'-Ni3Al-based phase in a nickel-based. solid solution. Moreover, rhenium hinders diffusion processes. Rhenium is shown to harden a nickel-based solid solution more effectively than Hf, Ta, Nb, W, or Mo. As compared to the other refractory metals, rhenium more effectively increases the long-term strength of the ZhS-type alloys at 1000 degrees C. In addition, it increases their operating temperature to 1150 degrees C.