INFLUENCE OF CARBURIZATION ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WROUGHT NICKEL ALLOYS.

Mechanical properties of four nickel alloys were evaluated before and after the alloys were subjected to a gaseous carburization test at 927 degree C (1700 degree F). The results showed carburization to have significant adverse effects on room-temperature ductility and toughness of the alloys. Room-temperature properties of alloys with high (60% and 76%) nickel contents were less affected than those of alloys with lower (32%) nickel content. Tensile tests at 871 degree C (1600 degree F) showed that although ductility declined with carburization all of the alloys retained substantial high-temperature ductility while exhibiting increased yield strength. At 982 degree C (1800 degree F), even smaller ductility losses were observed with one material, INCOLOY alloy 802, actually displaying more than a 50% increase in ductility (reduction of area) in the carburized condition.