A small-angle neutron scattering study of the temperature and stress dependence of the microstructure of nimonic alloys

The creep properties in high-temperature alloys are dependent on the presence of second and higher phase components. In particular in the nimonic group of alloys the size distribution and concentration of the γ′ phase are crucial factors in the resistance to creep. A possible mechanism for degradation of creep resistance is the Ostwald ripening of the γ′ phase. A sample of Nimonic 105 (Trademark of Henry Wiggin and Co. Ltd) was subjected simultaneously to a stress of 500 MPa and a temperature of 800°C in situ in the beam using a specially developed cell on the small-angle scattering facility (D 11A) at the Institut Laue Langevin. Scattering patterns were taken continuously and spectra were recorded every ~ 20 min; the macroscopic creep was also recorded. Measurements were taken up to the point of fracture. A peak in the intensity was observed at a scattering vector κ (= 4π sin θ/λ) of 0.005 Å⁻¹ which is believed to be the lowest value at which such an effect has been observed in alloys. The observed variation in the scattering after treatment for multiple scattering and absorption corrections is discussed in terms of particle size and size distribution.