Dissolution of interdendritic σ phase in cast Ni–Fe–Cr alloy

Various sizes, fractions and morphologies of interdendritic σ phase in the as cast N08028 alloy due to different solidification conditions are characterised. Dissolution behaviours of the secondary phase in both the as cast and the forged alloys are investigated during heat treatment at 1100, 1150 and 1200°C. A recently developed analytical model, subjected to necessary modification, is applied to describe the dissolution process of σ phase in the alloys with and without prior hot deformation. A recipe derived from transformed fraction is applied to evaluate the effective activation energy for dissolution. It has been found that, the prior hot deformation accelerates the dissolution process, which can be attributed to the decreased particle size and the reduced effective activation energy.