Recrystallization Characteristics of Mo-W-Re-HfC Alloys for Thermionic Applications 929302

Microstructural evolution of a Mo-10W-2Re-0.5HfC alloy was studied in the temperature range of 298 K to 2200 K. The typical characteristics of the microstructure were curly deformation bands, with nucleation at boundaries and subgrain coalescence. The recrystallization temperature of the Mo-10W-2Re-0.5HfC alloy was determined to be near 1950 K, which is comparable with 2125 K for W-4Re-0.35 HfC and 2000 K for W-0.35 HfC. Microhardness tests were performed before and after 1 hour of vacuum annealing and the results indicate that the mechanical strength of Mo-10W-2Re-0.5HfC is lower than that of W-4Re-0.35 HfC or W-0.35 HfC. X-ray diffraction and pole figures indicate that this particular alloy exhibits the primary texture (110) and secondary texture (112) which is normally observed in B.C.C. metals such as Molybdenum. The creep strengths of W-4Re-0.35HfC, TZM-Mo, and W-25Re-30Mo were evaluated and compared at the same stress level. The W-4Re-0.35HfC alloy was found to have the superior creep strength. The creep strength of the Mo-10W-2Re-0.5HfC alloy is comparable to that of TZM-Mo or W-25Re-30Mo making it a suitable alternative for thermionic electrode materials.