Effect of re element segregation on creep properties of nickel-based single crystals

JP Wang and KW Zheng and JW Liang and Y Peng, APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING, 131, 515 (2025).

DOI: 10.1007/s00339-025-08610-y

The addition of Re (rhenium) element significantly allows improved control over high-temperature creep and other mechanical properties in third-generation nickel-based single crystal superalloys. Analysis using advanced 3D atom probe techniques reveals that Re segregates near defects like interfaces and dislocations during creep. However, the specific influence of Re segregation on creep behavior remains unclear. This study employs molecular dynamics simulation to thoroughly investigate Re segregation's impact on an ideal nickel-based single crystal superalloy model. Results show a significant increase in the duration of the first and second creep stages following Re segregation. Further analysis reveals that Re segregation at interface dislocations promotes chain structure formation, enhances dislocation network stability, and reduces dislocation shearing into the strengthening phase. Re segregation also increases dislocation resistance and slows motion, lowering the minimum creep rate in the second stage. This research offers insights for exploring alternative elements or processes to replace Re.

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