Pack Aluminization Synthesis of Superalloy 3D Woven and 3D Braided Structures

Micro-architectured, precipitation-strengthened structures were created in a new process combining weaving, gas-phase alloying, diffusion, and precipitation. First, high-ductility Ni-20 wt pct Cr wires with 202 μm diameter were braided, or non-crimp orthogonal woven, into three-dimensional structures. Second, these structures were vapor-phase alloyed with Al at 1273 K (1000 °C) by pack cementation, creating uniform NiAl coatings on the wires when using a retort. Also, solid-state bonding was achieved at wire intersections, where two wires were sufficiently close to each other, as determined via optical and X-ray tomographic microscopy. Third, the NiAl-coated wires were fully homogenized and aged to form γ′ precipitates distributed in a γ matrix phase, the same microstructure providing strength in nickel-based superalloys. The resulting structures—consisting of wires (i) woven in a controlled three-dimensional architecture, (ii) bonded at contact points and (iii) strengthened by γ′ precipitates—are expected to show high strength at ambient and elevated temperatures, low density, and high permeability which is useful for active cooling.