Analysis of the As-Cast Microstructure and Properties of the Ni-Based Superalloy MAR-M247® Produced Via Directional Solidification

The presented research investigates MAR-M247® Ni-based superalloy castings produced via directional solidification at various mold preheating temperatures (1510, 1566 °C) and withdrawal rates (3.4, 5.0 mm/min). Casting analyses were carried out via thermodynamic simulations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and tensile testing. On DSC curve, four effects have been registered during cooling: liquidus (1337 °C), formation of eutectic γ − γ′ (1315 °C), precipitation of Ni7(Hf, Zr)2 (1244 °C), and M5B3 borides (1201 °C). The castings’ primary and secondary dendrite arm spacing decreases with increasing withdrawal rates for both shell mold temperatures. The dendritic regions of the castings are characterized by a relatively homogenous microstructure, consisting of γ′ precipitates surrounded by the matrix, with a mean size in the range of 0.437 to 0.481 μm, depending on the casting parameters. In the interdendritic spaces, γ − γ′ eutectic, MC carbides, M5B3, Ni7(Hf, Zr)2, and M3C2 phases were identified. The ultimate tensile strength of the produced castings was in the range of 970 to 1088 MPa.