Mechanisms of reactive element Y on the purification of K4169 superalloy during vacuum induction melting

The effects of rare earth element Y on the purification of K4169 superalloy during vacuum induction melting were investigated at different superheating temperatures. The corresponding interaction mechanisms were also clarified. Results showed that the addition of Y remarkably promoted the purification effect on the K4169 melt. The contents of O and S in the K4169 as-cast alloy ingots after purification were 3–4 and 8–10 ppm, respectively. The degrees of deoxidation and desulfurization increased to 50% and 57%, respectively, upon the addition of 0.1wt% Y. The yttrium-rich phase that precipitated at the grain boundary blocked the diffusion of C and the accumulation of S, thereby contributing to the purification of the alloy.