Abstract:The microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy 617B in the process of 5000 h aging at 750 °C were systematically investigated by means of SEM, TEM and mechanical analysis. M₂₃C₆ particles were dispersed inside grains and distributed discontinuously along grain boundaries and γ′ phases were situated at intragranular sites in the process of aging. The size of precipitates increased with increasing aging time. Inter- and intra-granular carbide and γ′ phase particles inside grains resulted in the precipitation strengthening of this aged alloy, enhancing the strength and hardness. The aged alloy possessed good stabilities of hardness and strength during aging. An obvious decrease of the toughness of this aged alloy was due to γ′ phase particles limiting plastic deformation to the area nearby grain boundaries, resulting in the occurrence of crack along grain boundaries. Additionally, the intergranular cracks apparently led to a decrease in the toughness for this aged alloy due to carbide particles at grain boundaries. The toughness of this aged alloy was fairly stable possibly due to the unchanged distribution of the precipitates during aging.

Key words: alloy 617B; microstructure; aging; precipitate; hardness; toughness; tensile properties