Temperature-dependent deformation mechanisms of γ′ phases in a newly developed NiCoCr-based superalloy

The γ′-strengthened NiCoCr-based superalloys are extensively used in aerospace, energy, and chemical industries. This work focuses on tensile properties and evolution of deformation mechanism in a newly developed NiCoCr-based superalloy, designated K439B, at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 1000 °C. The results demonstrate that the deformation mechanisms of this alloy are temperature-dependent. Slip bands and strongly-coupled dislocation pairs shear γ′ precipitates at 25 °C, resulting in high yield strength and work hardening rate. At 600 °C and 700 °C, the Lomer-Cottrell (L-C) locks are observed, and stacking faults shearing γ′ precipitates become the primary deformation mechanism. At temperatures reaching 800 °C, the yield strength exhibits an anomalous increase originating from the formation of Kear-Wilsdorf (K-W) locks. When the temperature exceeds 800 °C, the primary deformation mechanism is transformed into dislocations bypassing γ′ through the Orowan mechanism. The present study elucidates the deformation mechanism of this novel designed superalloy, thereby furnishing a theoretical foundation for the further development of the alloy system.