Evaluation and characterization of iron- and nickel-based alloys for microturbine recuperators

The effects of stress, temperature and time of exposure to microturbine exhaust gases on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of alloys HR-120® and 230® was investigated at turbine exhaust temperatures between 620°C and 760°C. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength and ductility of alloy 230® decreased by 30% and 60%, respectively, after 500 hours exposure at 752°C. At the lowest exposure temperature of 679°C the ultimate tensile strength and ductility decreased by 10% and 25%, respectively. The ultimate tensile strength and ductility of HR-120® alloy decreased by 15% and 50%, respectively, after 500 hours exposure at 745°C. At the lowest exposure temperature of 632°C the ultimate tensile strength and ductility decreased by 10% and 23%, respectively. The microstructural changes associated with exposure to microturbine exhaust gases are analyzed and discussed.