Intergranular Cracking in Alloy 690 with Nb, Mo, and Hf Additions: In Situ SEM High Temperature Deformation Study

Abstract

The microstructure behavior during high temperature deformation of Ni-base alloys based on alloy 690 modified with Nb, Mo, and Hf additions were studied. Optical and electron microscopy were used to characterize these materials and the results were compared with Calphad-based modeling results. The alloys behavior was studied between 500 and 1000 °C using an in-situ high temperature deformation test. The role of precipitates on the grain boundary morphology and their effect on grain boundary sliding and the mechanism of ductility-dip cracking are discussed. Both, undulated grain boundaries and primary intra-granular precipitates improved the alloy DDC resistance.