Directional solidification processing of alloys using an applied electric field
US5080726A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC30B29/52
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method is provided for obtaining an alloy having an ordered microstructure which comprises the steps of heating the central portion of the alloy under uniform temperature so that it enters a liquid phase while the outer portions remain solid, applying a constant electric current through the alloy during the heating step, and solidifying the liquid central portion of the alloy by subjecting it to a temperature-gradient zone so that cooling occurs in a directional manner and at a given rate of speed while maintaining the application of the constant electric current through the alloy. The method is particularly suitable for use with nickel-based superalloys. The method of the present invention produces an alloy having superior characteristics such as reduced segregation. After subsequent precipitation by heat-treatment, the alloys produced by the present invention will have excellent strength and high-temperature resistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.