MC carbide structures in M(lc2)ar-M247

The morphologies and distribution of the MC carbides in Mar-M247 ingot stock and castings were investigated using metallographic, X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis techniques. The MC carbides were found to form script structures during solidification. The script structures were composed of three distinct parts. The central cores and elongated arms of the MC carbide script structures had compositions (Ti, Cr, Hf, Ta, W)C and lattice parameters of 4.39 A. The elongated script arms terminated in enlarged, angular "heads". The heads had compositions (Ti, Hf, Ta, W)C and lattice parameters of approximately 4.50 A. The heads had a higher Hf content than the cores and arms. The size of the script structures, as well as the relative amount of head-type to core and arm-type MC carbide, was found to be determined by solidification conditions. No carryover of the MC carbides from the ingot stock to the remelted and cast material was observed.