Microstructure of the oxide ceramics/Inconel 713C interface

Abstract

Nickel-based refractory alloys are used in the aerospace industry as materials for the production of engine turbine blades obtained by the casting method. Both casting process and surface quality of the ceramic mould have a significant influence on product properties. Current research involved the investigation of interactions between oxide ceramics, forming the basic material of casting moulds and crystallisers, and Inconel 713C nickel superalloy. The wettability of ceramics by Inconel 713C was tested for the three types of materials at temperatures commonly used in the directional casting of this alloy. The oxide ceramics/Inconel 713C interfaces were examined by SEM to reveal the microstructure of phase boundary and assess the degree of degradation of the casting mould ceramic coating.