The Role of Si Element on the Precipitation Behavior of GH2907 Superalloys

GH2097, a Fe-Ni-Co-based superalloy extensively employed in high-temperature critical components such as aircraft engines, was investigated to elucidate the influence of Si content on its precipitation behavior and mechanical properties. By systematically adjusting Si concentrations, it was demonstrated that Si significantly modulates the size, distribution, and stability of γ′ phase (Ni3TiNb). As Si content increases, γ′ phase coarsening (mean size: 30.1→40.3 nm) results in a marginal increase in volume fraction of 2%. Mechanical testing revealed a direct correlation between Si content and yield strength enhancement, achieving a maximum increment of 97.1 MPa. Post solution-aging treatment, γ′ strengthening dominated the strengthening mechanisms in GH2097, contributing over 50% to the overall strength. Microstructural characterization (SEM/TEM) further confirmed that optimal Si addition balances precipitation kinetics and grain boundary stabilization without inducing detrimental phases. Therefore, it is important to consider the role of the Si element in the microstructure control of GH2907 alloy.