Enhanced ultra-high temperature creep resistance originating from preferred microstructures of W-Re-HfC alloys

W-Re-HfC alloys have been extensively applied in the field of high-temperature structural parts. To ensure high temperature reliability, it is essential to enhance creep resistance ability. In this study, the microstructures of forged W-Re-HfC alloys were adjusted using different heat treatment processes . The corresponding tensile creep properties were also measured at 2000 °C with 40 MPa. Furthermore, a possible creep fracture mechanism was also explored. The forged W-Re-HfC sample annealed for 2 h exhibited the best creep performances with a steady-state creep rate of 3.28 × 10 −6 and a creep life of 5.6 h. Generally, a larger grain size indicates a lower steady-state creep rate; however, the precipitation of carbides at the grain boundaries (GBs) deteriorates the bonding strength of interfaces, thus reversing the former trend. The dominant creep mechanism is diffusion creep , in which the voids nucleate perpendicular to the GBs, grow and connect into cracks, ultimately leading to fractures.