An Integrated HIP Heat-Treatment of a Single Crystal Ni-Base Superalloy

A second-generation single crystal Ni-base superalloy underwent heat treatment in a hot isostatic press, allowing for fast quenching rates. This process homogenizes chemical variations, removes porosity, and forms a uniform γ/γ′ microstructure through rapid quenching and subsequent aging in one step. The microstructural changes were studied across different scales using various techniques. The integrated supersolvus HIP heat treatment results in a virtually defect-free microstructure.