17

Study of a New Type High Strength

Ni-Based Superalloy DZ468 with
Good Hot Corrosion Resistance
Enze Liu and Zhi Zheng
Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences
China

1. Introduction
There is a great demand for advanced nickel-based superalloys, mainly for the application
to industrial gas turbine blades. They should possess an excellent combination of hot
corrosion resistance and high temperature strength. Despite the recent innovation of coating
technology, hot corrosion resistance is still important for industrial turbines which are for a
long term service. An increasing demand for the higher efficiency of gas turbines leads to
the necessity of rising their operating temperatures and stresses, which requires a continued
development of high strength superalloys for gas turbine components. Hot corrosion
resistance is also important for industrial turbines, which are used for longer term than jet
engines. Furthermore, oxidation resistance needs to be improved because of the general
increase in the inlet-gas temperature of turbines [1, 2]. In order to improve high temperature
strength, it is necessary to add Al, Ti, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, and so on. In order to gain good hot
corrosion resistance property, Cr is indispensable alloying element in superalloys for
maintaining hot corrosion resistance [3, 4]. However, the improvement in one property by
adding one or more elements into the alloy may be accompanied by the deterioration of
another property [5]. For example, the addition of Re improves both high-temperature creep
strength and the hot corrosion resistance [6, 7]. However, increasing in the Re content in SC
superalloys has the propensity to precipitate Re-rich topologically closed packed (TCP)
phases which is known to reduce creep rupture strength [8, 9, 10].DZ125 alloy is one of
using operating turbine blade with excellent mechanic property. IN738 alloy with excellent
hot corrosion resistance was broadly using to produce industrial gas turbine blades. In this
paper, we hope research a new alloy with the same mechanical property as that of DZ125
alloy and the same hot corrosion resistance as that of IN738 alloy on the basis of good phase
stability. Based on DZ125 and IN738 alloys, a new alloy namely DZ468 was developed by
institute of metal research, Chinese academy sciences. DZ468 show good mechanics
properties, good environment properties and good phase stability.

2. Experiments and results

The DZ468 superalloy is a second-generation nickel-based directed solidified alloy
developed by Institute of Metal Research; Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMR, CAS) based

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400 Advances in Gas Turbine Technology

on DZ125 and IN738 alloys. Table 1 shows the compositions of DZ125, IN738 and DZ468
alloys. The alloy was melted in VZM-25F vacuum induction furnace. The directionally
solidified specimens were made by the process of high rate solidification in ZGD2 vacuum
induction directional solidification furnace. The temperature gradient was 80ºC/cm and the
withdrawal rate was 6 mm/min. The procedure of heat treatment was following:
1240ºC/0.5 h +1260ºC/0.5h +1280ºC/2 h,AC+1120ºC/4h, FC to 1080ºC with 1h+1080ºC
/4h,AC+900ºC /4h,AC (AC: air cooling, FC: fuel cooling).

Alloy C Cr Mo W Co Al Ta Ti Re Nb Zr Hf B Ni
DZ468 0.05 12 1 5 8.5 5.5 5 0.5 2.0 — — — 0.01 Bal.
IN738 0.05 16 1.8 2.6 8.5 3.5 1.8 3.2 — 0.8 0.1 — 0.01 Bal.
DZ125 0.08 9 2 7 10 5.2 3.8 1.0 — — — 1.5 0.015 Bal.
Table 1. Nominal composition of test alloys (mass fraction, %)

2.1 Microstructure
The microstructure of cast and heat treatment of DZ468 alloy were observed by scanning
electron microscope(SEM) and optical microscope(OM).The specimens used for SEM were
electrolyzed in a solution of 5ml HNO3+10ml HCl+5ml H2SO4+100ml H2O with a voltage of
7V. Rectangular specimens with dimensions of 10mm×10mm×8mm were cut by the
electrical-discharge method. As shown in the Fig.1a, the microstructure of as-cast alloy are
composed of , ′, carbides of MC type, ( + ′) eutectic and a little boride at the edge of ( + ′)
eutectic. Fig.1b shows the size of ′ phase is large and the shape is roughly cubic. Most ′
phase particles show cube shape, but some reveal exaggerated octagonal form.

(a) (b)
γ
(γ+γ′) Eutectic

Boride

MC

Fig. 1. Microstructure of cast DZ468 alloy (a) OM, (b) SEM

Microstructure of DZ468 alloy after heat treatment shows in the Fig.2a. After heat treatment,
the microstructure of DZ468 alloy is composed of , ′ and carbides. The carbides are mainly
MC and M23C6. There is no finding ( + ′) eutectic and boride in the Fig.2a. After heated, ′
phase show good cubic shape and the variant size of ′ on inter–dendrite region and
dendrite core is rather small as shown in the Fig.2b and Fig.2c. The microstructure of DZ468
alloy after aging at 900ºC for 1000h was shown in the Fig.3. After prolong exposure,
Coarsening of the ′ was observed and there is no finding TCP phase in the Fig.3. The types

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Study of a New Type High Strength
Ni-Based Superalloy DZ468 with Good Hot Corrosion Resistance 401

of carbide only are MC and M23C6 and there is a very small amount of acicular M23C6. It can
be seen from Fig.2 and Fig.3 that DZ468 alloy displays excellent phase stability and uniform
microstructure.

(a) (b)

M23C6
MC

(c)

Fig. 2. Microstructure of DZ468 alloy after heat treatment (a) in the grain boundary (b)  on
inter-dendrite region, (c)  on dendrite core

(a) (b)

grain boundary (b) morphologies of 

Fig. 3. Microstructure of DZ468 alloy after prolong exposure at 900℃ for 1000h (a) in the

2.2 Tensile properties

The tensile tests were performed at different temperatures from room temperature to 1000℃
a DCX-25T type universal test machine at a constant strain rate of 10-4s-1. As shown in Fig.4,

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402 Advances in Gas Turbine Technology

the change of tensile strength and yield strength of three alloys is similar. When temperature
is lower than 760ºC, the tensile strength(σb) and yield strength(σ0.2) of three alloys change
slightly with increasing temperature. When the temperature is more than 760ºC, the tensile
strength and yield strength decrease sharply. The tensile strength and yield strength of
DZ468 alloy is nearly the same as that of DZ125 alloy in the same condition, but its more
than that of IN738 alloy.
The elongation ( ) and reduction of area (φ) are not without significant change from room
temperature to 760ºC in three alloys. When the temperature is more than 760ºC, and φ
quickly increase. As a whole, Ductility of DZ125 alloy displays better than that of DZ468
alloy in lower temperature, but difference of ductility between DZ125 alloy and DZ468 alloy
is slightly in higher temperature.

1600 1600
(a) □-DZ468 (b)
1400 ☆-DZ125 1400
◆-IN738
1200 1200
σ0.2(MPa)
σb(MPa)

1000 1000

800 800

600 600

400 400

200 200
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
T/℃
70 70 T/℃
(c) (d)
60 60

50 50
δ(%)

φ(%)

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
T/℃ T/℃

Fig. 4. Tensile properties of DZ468, DZ125 and IN738 alloys (a) the tensile strength, (b) the
yield strength, (c) the elongation, (d) the reduction of area

2.3 The rupture properties

Constant load creep and rupture tests in air were carried out at different temperatures for
specimens sampled from bars with normal heat treatments. Fig .5 shows the relationship
between stress and time to rupture for specimens. The general trend of the rupture data was
that the rupture life increased with decreasing test stress and test temperature, as is
normally observed from other alloys. Fig.6 shows Larson- Miller curves of three alloys. It

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Study of a New Type High Strength
Ni-Based Superalloy DZ468 with Good Hot Corrosion Resistance 403

can be seen from Fig.6 the creep rupture life of DZ468 alloy is similar that of DZ125 alloy
and observably more than that of IN738 alloy.

760℃ 850℃ 900℃ 980℃ 1040℃

1000

100
σ/MPa

10

1
10 100 1000
t/h
Fig. 5. Stress versus time to rupture in air for DZ468 alloy with different temperature and
stress

DZ468
DZ125
1000
IN738
σ(MPa)

100

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
-3
P = T(20 + lg t) × 10 T / K, t / h
Fig. 6. Larson- Miller curves of DZ468, DZ125 and IN738 alloys

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404 Advances in Gas Turbine Technology

From Table 1, it can be seen the sum of Al, Ti and Ta respectively is 14.2 %( atom fraction) in
DZ468 and13.8 %( atom fraction) DZ125 alloy. Hence, the  volume fraction of DZ468 and
DZ125 is equivalent. In the DZ125 and DZ468 alloys, the total content of strengthening 
phase element W, Mo, Re is almost equivalent. Hence, creep rupture life of DZ468 alloy is
similar to that of DZ125 alloy. It can be seen from Fig.7 the creep rupture life of DZ468 alloy
to that of DZ125 alloy.

2.4 The creep properties

The creep curves of strain (ε) versus time (t) at different temperatures and stress levels
are shown in three figures(fig.7, fig.8 and fig.9). It is indicated that the shape of the creep
curve exhibits strong temperature and stress dependence, and the strain rate during
steady-state creep is enhanced and creep lifetimes are obviously shortened with the
increase of the applied stresses. The observed creep curves are similar and show a
respective course at the same testing temperature. The creep curves show an obvious
primary creep stage followed by an extended steady-state creep stage and then an
accelerating creep stage leading to failure at 760℃ (Fig.7). The 850℃ creep curves
demonstrate a very short primary stage, and a longer accelerating creep stage without
steady-state creep stage(Fig. 8).It can be seen from fig.7, fig.8 and fig.9, with the increasing
of test stress, the creep rate is obviously increasing. Table.2 and table.3 show the creep
strength of DZ468 and DZ125 alloys. At the same condition of temperature, the creep
strength of DZ468 is lower than that of DZ125 alloy.

30
720MPa
25

20
εt/%

15

10

5
600MPa,stop
550MPa,stop 500MPa,stop
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000
t/h

Fig. 7. Creep curves of DZ468 alloy at 760ºC with different stress

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Study of a New Type High Strength
Ni-Based Superalloy DZ468 with Good Hot Corrosion Resistance 405

35

430MPa
30

25

460MPa
20
εt/%

15

10

380MPa,stop 350MPa,stop
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
t/h
Fig. 8. Creep curves of DZ468 alloy at 980ºC with different stress

30

200MPa 180MPa
25

20
εt/%

15

10

100MPa,stop 120MPa,stop
0
0 400 800 1200 1600
t/h
Fig. 9. Creep curves of DZ468 alloy at 850ºC with different stress

T/℃ σ0.1/100h/MPa σ0.2/100h/MPa σ0.5/100h/MPa

760 530 545 591
850 337 343 405
980 126 140 168
Table 2. The creep strength of DZ468 alloy with different plasticity strain at different
temperature

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406 Advances in Gas Turbine Technology

T/℃ σ0.1/100h/MPa σ0.2/100h/MPa σ0.5/100h/MPa

760 550 595 620
850 340 380 420
980 170 190 230
Table 3. The creep strength of DZ125 alloy with different plasticity strain at different
temperature

2.5 High cycle fatigue

The airfoil sections of turbine blades in aircraft engines are subjected to very high
temperatures, high stresses, and aggressive environments. These factors can lead to fatigue
behavior that is quite complex, and dependent on stress level (both alternating and mean)
and creep and environmental effects. High-cycle fatigue (HCF) tests were performed using
smooth round-bar specimens on a high frequency MTS machine. The average test frequency
is 120HZ and the R-ratio (R =minimum/maximum stress) is -1. The temperature is 760ºC
and 900ºC. The results, plotted as test life in cycles to failure vs. stress amplitude, are shown
in Fig.10. The general trend of the S-N data was that the fatigue life increased with
decreasing maximum stress level, as is normally observed from fig.10. It can also be noticed
that the fatigue limits of DZ468 alloy at 760ºC was higher than that at 900ºC.

700
900℃
760℃
600
σmax/MPa

500

400

300

200
3 4 5 6 7 8
10 10 10 10 10 10
Nf/Cycles
Fig. 10. The HCF S-N curves of DZ468 alloy at 760℃ and 900℃, the average test frequency is
120HZ and the R-ratio is -1.

2.6 Low cycle fatigue

The high temperature low cycle fatigue (LCF) failure is the major factor affecting the service
life of the turbine blades. The type of fatigue tests and the experimental conditions were
chosen in order to simulate the loading conditions of turbine blades knowing that these
conditions are much more complex. LCF specimens were machined from solution treated

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Study of a New Type High Strength
Ni-Based Superalloy DZ468 with Good Hot Corrosion Resistance 407

bars with 15mm in diameter and 25mm in gage length. Before testing, non-destructive
evaluation was used to check out the casting pores in specimens. A servo hydraulic testing
machine was used to perform the fatigue tests at 800℃ in air. The total axial strain was
measured and controlled by an extensometer mounted upon the ledges of specimens. The
total strain range (△ t) varied from ±0.15 to ±0.6% with a fully reversed strain-controlled
push–pull mode, i.e., Rε=εmin/εmax=-1. The strain rate was 4×10−3s−1, applied in a triangular
waveform with a frequency f=0.35 Hz. The temperature fluctuation over the gage length
area was maintained within ±2 ºC. Three specimens were prepared for each strain range at
least. From the viewpoint of engineering applications, an important measure of a material
LCF performance is the fatigue life as a function of total strain range, which is presented in
Fig. 11 that shows the relationship curves of the total strain range versus number of cycles to
failure. The fatigue life shows a monotonic decrease with increasing total strain range from
800℃. It can be seen from fig.11, the fatigue life of DZ125 is slightly longer than that DZ468
at the same total strain range.

-1
10
DZ468
DZ125
△εt mm/mm

-2
10

-3
10
1 2 3 4
10 10 10 10

Nf Cycles

Fig. 11. Fatigue life of DZ468 and DZ125 alloys as a function of total strain range at 800ºC

2.7 Hot corrosion resistance

The hot corrosion tests were conducted at 900ºC. The surfaces were polished down to 1000-
grit alumina paper. A mixture of 75% Na2SO4+25% (mass fraction) NaCl was used for hot
corrosion experiment. The specimens and mixed salts contained in an Al2O3 crucible were
placed in a muffle furnace after the furnace reached the desired temperature.
Fig.12 shows hot corrosion dynamics curves of DZ125, IN738 and DZ468 alloys. Both the
DZ125 and IN738 alloys exhibit larger depth changes than DZ468 alloy. The absolute value
of the depth change is the largest in the DZ125 alloy and the smallest in the DZ468 alloy.
The element, Cr is well known to play an essential role in hot corrosion resistance, since it
promotes the formation of a protective Cr2O3 scale [11]. Although the DZ468 alloy contains

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408 Advances in Gas Turbine Technology

the middle Cr content among three experimental alloys, it shows the best hot corrosion
resistance. This is due to Re content (2 Mass fraction %) in DZ468 alloy. As already reported,
Re is effective in improving hot corrosion resistance as well as creep rupture strength [11, 12,
13]. Furthermore, DZ468 is a kind of low segregation alloy which has own uniform
microstructure and chemical composition.

900
DZ468
800
IN738
700 DZ125

600
500
d ( m)

400
300
200
100
0
-100
0 20 40 60 80 100
t ( h)
Fig. 12. Hot corrosion dynamics curves of DZ468, DZ125 and IN738 alloys in mixture of 75%
Na2SO4+25% (mass fraction) NaCl at 900℃

2.8 Physics properties

The density of DZ468 alloy is about to 8.45g/cm3. Fig.13 shows the mean linear thermal
expansion coefficients (CTEs) of DZ468 and DZ125 alloy. It can be seen from fig.13, the l
CTEs of DZ125 are larger than that of DZ468 alloy. Fig.14 shows the thermal conductivity of
DZ468 and DZ125 alloys at different temperature. It can be seen from fig.14, when the
temperature is more than 900ºC, the thermal conductivity of DZ468 is higher than that of
DZ125 alloy. The thermal conductivity of DZ468 alloy shows a monotonic increase with
increasing temperature. Table.4 shows the Young’s elastic modulus (E) of DZ468 and DZ125
alloy. The Young’s elastic modulus (E) of DZ468 is decreasing with the increasing of test
temperature. It is similar to the Young’s elastic modulus DZ468 and that of DZ125.

T/ºC 20 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100

DZ468
132.09 126.66 123.37 120.38 116.63 111.57 106.53 100.52 95.49 88.67 81.15 70.16
/GPa
DZ125
131.73 126.36 123.52 120.54 116.51 111.31 106.47 100.61 95.36 88.77 81.50 70.08
/GPa
Table 4. The Young’s elastic modulus of DZ468 and DZ125 alloys

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Study of a New Type High Strength
Ni-Based Superalloy DZ468 with Good Hot Corrosion Resistance 409

18
DZ468
DZ125
16

/10 -6 ·℃ -1
The mean CETs 14

12

10

20-200 20-400 20-600 20-800 20-1000

T/℃

Fig. 13. The mean Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient (CETS) of DZ468 and DZ125 alloys
at different temperature interval

26

24 DZ468
DZ125
/W·m -1 ·K -1

22

20

18
Thermal conductivity

16

14

12

10

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

T/℃
Fig. 14. The thermal conductivity of DZ468 and DZ125 alloys at different temperature

3. Conclusion
A new-typed directional solidification nickel-base superalloy that is named DZ468 was

composed of , ,( + ) eutectics, MC type carbides and a few borides. After heat treatment,
designed by low segregation technology. Microstructures of DZ468 as cast alloy are

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410 Advances in Gas Turbine Technology

the microstructures of DZ468 alloy are composed of , , MC and M23C6. DZ468 has
excellent phase stability, good mechanics properties, physics properties and environment
properties.

4. Acknowledgment
The great help of Mr. F. X. Yang from IMR National Laboratory on the temperature
measurements during high-cycle fatigue testing is highly appreciated.

5. References
[1] Y.Murata, S. Miyazaki, et al., in: Superalloys 1996, edited by R. D. Kissinger, D. J, Deye, et
al.,TMS (1996).
[2] Duhl David N, Chen Otis Y, GB Patent 2, 153, 848. (1985)
[3] Yamazaki Michio, Harada Hiroshi, U.S. Patent 4, 205, 985. (1980)
[4] Duhl, David N., Chen, Otis Y., U.S. Patent 4,597, 809. (1986)
[5] Sato Koji, Ohno Takehiro, Yasuda Ken, et al., U.S. Patent 5, 916, 382. (1999)
[6] Cetel Alan D., U.S. Patent 111,138. (2003)
[7] Cetel Alan D., Shah Dilip M., U.S. Patent 200,549. (2004)
[8] Sato Masahiro, Takenaka Tsuyoshi, et al., U.S. Patent 47,110(2010)
[9] T. Kobayashi, M. Sato, et al.in:Superalloys 2000,edited by T.M. Pollock, R.D. Kissinger, et
al., TMS, (2000)
[10] Y. Murata, M. Morinaga, et al.: ISIJ International, Vol. 43(2003), p.1244
[11] K. Matsugi, Y. Murata, et al, in: Superalloys 1992, edited by S. D. Antolovich, R.D.
Kissinger, et al., TMS, Warrendale, PA, (1992)
[12] K. Matsugi, M. Kawakami, et al.: Tetsu-to-Hagané, Vol.78 (1992), p.821
[13] T. Hino, Y. Yoshioka, K. Nagata, et al.in: Materials for Adv. Power Eng.1998, edited by
J.Lecomte-Beckers et al., Forschungszentrum Julich Publishers, Julich, (1998)

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 Advances in Gas Turbine Technology
Edited by Dr. Ernesto Benini

ISBN 978-953-307-611-9
Hard cover, 526 pages
Publisher InTech
Published online 04, November, 2011
Published in print edition November, 2011

Gas turbine engines will still represent a key technology in the next 20-year energy scenarios, either in stand-
alone applications or in combination with other power generation equipment. This book intends in fact to
provide an updated picture as well as a perspective vision of some of the major improvements that
characterize the gas turbine technology in different applications, from marine and aircraft propulsion to
industrial and stationary power generation. Therefore, the target audience for it involves design, analyst,
materials and maintenance engineers. Also manufacturers, researchers and scientists will benefit from the
timely and accurate information provided in this volume. The book is organized into five main sections
including 21 chapters overall: (I) Aero and Marine Gas Turbines, (II) Gas Turbine Systems, (III) Heat Transfer,
(IV) Combustion and (V) Materials and Fabrication.

How to reference
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Enze Liu and Zhi Zheng (2011). Study of a New Type High Strength Ni-Based Superalloy DZ468 with Good
Hot Corrosion Resistance, Advances in Gas Turbine Technology, Dr. Ernesto Benini (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-
307-611-9, InTech, Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-gas-turbine-
technology/study-of-a-new-type-high-strength-ni-based-superalloy-dz468-with-good-hot-corrosion-resistance

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