Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Wear Behavior of Nickel-Based Superalloys Synthesized by Powder Metallurgy

Nickel-based superalloys are extensively used in aerospace and automobile industries because of their reliable performance in challenging environments. Tribology plays a vital role in aerospace and automobile applications. Hence, the study of wear behavior helps in the selection of suitable materials. From earlier works, it is clear that the study of wear behavior of nickel-based superalloys prepared by powder metallurgy has not been carried out. Hence, the present study reveals the mechanical properties and wears behavior of superalloys prepared by the powder metallurgy technique. The results show that Rene 77 has a minimum density with maximum Vickers hardness. The tensile strength of Nimonic 90 has been found to be the highest. The effect of sliding velocity and load on the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate have been studied. Nimonic 90 has the highest COF, whereas Rene 77 has the lowest COF. Rene 77 has shown the lowest specific wear rate whereas Nimonic 90 has the highest. The worn surface morphology has been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) validating the presence of oxide film over the surface.