Effects of carburization on recrystallization behavior of a single crystal superalloy

The samples of single crystal superalloy DD6 were grit blasted and heat treated in the solution and aging treatment at vacuum atmosphere, then the effects of carburization on recrystallization of single crystal superalloy DD6 were investigated. The results showed that carbon was introduced into the grit blasted samples during carburization, producing a homogenous distribution of MC-type carbides in the form of submicron dispersed precipitates within the grit blasted region. These MC-type carbides hold back the recrystallized grain boundaries. As temperature increases, MC-type carbides dissolve and secondary M6C-type carbides precipitate. The interaction between these M6C-type carbides and recrystallized grain boundaries further hinders recrystallization. Thus the average depth of the recrystallization region and number of recrystallized grains observed in carburized grit blasted samples are less than those in the samples which underwent grit blasting process alone. Carburization can significantly reduce recrystallization in single crystal superalloy DD6 during solution heat treatment.