The role of the alloy matrix in the creep behavior of particle-strengthened alloys

The strengthening microstructural features in heat-resistant super-alloys are oxide dispersoids and/or gamma-prime precipitates. The role of the strength of the alloy matrix in the creep resistance of these alloys is considered. An evaluation was made of experimental data on oxide-dispersion- and/or precipitation-strengthened nickel-based alloys with various levels of matrix solid solution strengthening; a generalized expression for creep rates which separates the matrix contributions from the particle contributions to the resisting stress and creep strength of these alloys was derived. It is concluded that the major role of the alloy matrix in the creep behavior of these alloys is in determining the apparent stress dependence of the creep rates.