Microstructural characterization of P/M Ni3Al consolidated by HIP

Abstract

Rapidly solidified powder of Ni3Al doped with boron was produced by inert gas atomization and consolidated by hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Morphology and microstructure of the powder were studied. From the particle morphology, it could be deduced that the solidification time was similar at least to the time necessary for complete fragmentation of the liquid. The powder showed a two-phase microstructure that was finer the smaller the particle size. The presence of dendrites of NiAl (β) phase was consistent with the diagram proposed by Schramm and not with the traditional diagram of Singleton et al. The microstructure of the material consolidated at 1100°C and 1200°C was studied. A monophasic structure was observed after HIP, and no relevant microstructural differences were seen between the two temperatures used