Mechanical Properties and Characterization of Low Density Co-based Superalloys for High Temperature Applications

High-temperature applications require materials that balance stiffness, strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Traditionally, Ni-based superalloys have been used to fulfil this role since they are the most suitable. A new research window opened up when a stable reinforcement phase was discovered in a Co-Al-W system. The present research aimed to lower density while increasing working temperatures. To achieve this, spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used to manufacture three low-density Co-based superalloys, which were then homogenized and aged to improve the performance at high temperature. Microstructure was characterized to understand the mechanical behaviour tested by hardness and by compression tests, carried out at different temperatures.