Significant Improvement of Mechanical Properties in NiAl-Cr(Mo)/Hf Alloy by Suction Casting and Subsequent Hot Isostatic Pressing

The NiAl-28Cr-5.5Mo-0.5Hf eutectic alloy was prepared by the suction casting (SC) technique and subsequent hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment, and tested for compressive strength and fracture behavior in the temperature range of 300 to 1373 K. The microstructure of suction-cast alloy is characterized by fine interlamellar spacing, large area fraction of eutectic cell, and fine Heusler (Ni₂AlHf) phase distributed semicontinuously at the cell boundaries. After HIP treatment, Ni₂AlHf phase at the cell boundaries is transformed into Hf solid solution phase and distributed homogeneously within the NiAl matrix. Compared with the conventionally cast alloy, the room-temperature compressive strain and elevated temperature strength of suction-cast alloy are enhanced markedly after HIP treatment. The reason is that the HIP treatment causes Hf solid solution phase to distribute homogeneously and then strengthens the NiAl matrix.