Question: What are the consequences of solution treatment for superalloys?
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There is a type of cobalt-based superalloy that is delivered in a solution-treated state; however, when its properties such as hardness and strength are tested at room temperature, there is a certain degree of decline. Is this caused by the solution treatment? Will using it at high temperatures also lead to a decline in mechanical properties? Is solution treatment meant to reduce the difficulty of machining at room temperature? ? Thank you all; I hope for some clarification!
This solution treatment is essentially a form of solution strengthening: elements with sizes different from those of the matrix metal atoms (such as chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, etc.) are added to cause distortion in the lattice of the matrix metal. Elements that can reduce the stacking fault energy of the alloy matrix (such as cobalt) as well as elements that can slow down the diffusion rate of the matrix elements (such as tungsten, molybdenum, etc.) are also added in order to strengthen the matrix.