Enhanced high-temperature ductility without strength drop in a lean Co Ni-based superalloy

The conventional Ni-based IN738LC superalloy series are typically hardened by a fine distribution of closely spaced fine and coarse Ni₃(Al, Ti)-type L1₂ ordered γ' precipitates, which is formed by solid-state nucleation and growth in the disordered γ matrix. However, outstanding high-temperature mechanical performance requires a high amount (∼9 wt%) of Co, which is the alloy's most expensive adding element. Here, we report a compositionally modified IN738LC alloy with a 50% reduction in Co content and a 20% increase in comparatively cheaper Mo content. This compositional modification caused more γ' precipitates with uniform distribution than those in the conventional counterpart subjected to the same heat treatments. The modified superalloy showed a twofold increase in high-temperature (750 °C) tensile elongation while maintaining the conventional one's strength (∼1.1 GPa) at the temperature. This remarkable ductility gain, while no loss in strength, was predominantly attributed to a transition in the high-temperature deformation mechanism, i.e., from multiple intersecting slip bands-indued stress localization for the conventional IN738LC alloy to unidirectional microtwins for the modified IN738LC material. More Mo and less Co contents could drive more coherent γ' precipitates in the annealed state and the high density of microtwins in the deformed state, resulting in stress delocalization and enhanced ductility at comparable strength. The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of cost-effective, strong, and ductile superalloys for high-temperature applications.