The influence of sulfur contamination on the corrosion-fatigue behavior of a polycrystalline superalloy used in aero-engines is considered. Samples tested under a variety of environmental conditions (including exposures to air, SO x gas, and salt) are characterized through a suite of high-resolution characterization methods, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (nanoSIMS), and atom probe tomography (APT). The primary effect of sulfur contamination is to accelerate the crack growth rate by altering the failure mechanism. The SIMS and TEM analyses indicate Cr-Ti sulfide particle formation at grain boundaries ahead of and around oxidized cracks. The APT analysis suggests that these particles then oxidize as the crack propagates and are enveloped in chromia. The chromia is surrounded by a continuous layer of alumina within the cracks. All of the sulfur detected was confined within the particles, with no elemental segregation found at grain boundaries.

Abstract. The nickel based superalloy 720Li is employed in the gas turbine due to its mechanical performance at elevated temperature. A comprehensive assessment of the materials behaviour under representative service conditions is reported to address the drive for ever increasing temperatures and more arduous environmental exposure. Fatigue experiments have been performed in an air and air/SO x environment at 700• C containing a mixed salt as a contaminant. There is an intimate relationship between local salt level (flux), stress level and stress state, i.e. static or cyclic. The interaction with these variables with the work hardened layer present on the surface of all tested specimens as a result of the shot peening process directly affects the crack initiation process. If specific conditions of environment and stress are achieved, a significant reduction in fatigue life is observed.