Fundamentals and Applications of Nickel-based Superalloy
Uzma Hira, Iqra Ijaz
Nickel-based superalloys are essential for high-temperature applications due to their exceptional strength, corrosion, and oxidation resistance. Their microstructure, featuring a gamma matrix (γ), gamma-prime (γ’) precipitates, carbides and borides provide stability at elevated temperatures. Synthesis techniques include casting, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing each having its own specification. There have been several generations of nickel-based superalloys, and each new generation came up with increased creep resistance and working temperature. Superalloys based on nickel were first developed with an emphasis on solid-solution strengthening; later generations added intricate alloying elements to improve precipitation hardening. Because of their remarkable strength and stability at very high temperatures, these superalloys find extensive application in industrial gas turbines, aircraft, and power generation. Future advancements focus on additive manufacturing, nano engineering, and new alloy compositions to further enhance performance in extreme environments.
Keywords
Nickel-based Superalloys, Gamma Matrix, Gamma-Prime, Microstructure, Additive Manufacturing, Creep Resistance
Published online 9/10/2025, 27 pages
Citation: Uzma Hira, Iqra Ijaz, Fundamentals and Applications of Nickel-based Superalloy, Materials Research Foundations, Vol. 178, pp 41-67, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903698-3
Part of the book on Superalloys
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