Surface segregation during directional solidification of Ni-base superalloys

Some aspects pertaining to the increased microsegregation at the external casting surface during directional solidification of a typical Ni-base superalloy, CMSX 10N, are presented. Increased eutectic coverage was observed at the external surface along the solidification length. This eutectic appears as a thin segregated layer proud of the secondary dendrite arms preventing them from impinging onto the mold wall. The extent of surface eutectic coverage was represented as a fractional measure of the ingot perimeter. Possible mechanisms focusing on the following: (1) interaction between mold and metal, (2) inclination of primary dendrite, and (3) contraction of the dendrite network have been investigated in relation to the observed phenomenon. We deduce that the most likely explanation is associated with the contraction of the dendritic network, which qualitatively accounts both for the observed morphology and the increased eutectic fraction at the external surface of the casting.