Abstract:The effect of trace element Zr addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties at room temperature and high temperature of K492M superalloy was investigated. The Zr content in the experimental alloys ranged from 0.006wt% to 0.058wt%. The results show that the addition of element Zr does not change the main phase constitution of the as-cast and heat-treated K492M superalloys. The microstructure of the as-cast K492M superalloy mainly consists of γ matrix phase, γ'' precipitated phase, MC carbides, and (γ+γ'') eutectic phase. After heat treatment, the (γ+γ'') eutectic phase is nearly eliminated, accompanied by the precipitation of M23C6 carbides. The addition of element Zr significantly refines the grain structure of the as-cast and heat-treated K492M superalloys. When the Zr content is 0.016wt%, both the as-cast and heat-treated superalloys exhibit the most significant grain refinement. With the increase of Zr content from 0.006wt% to 0.058wt%, the MC carbides in both as-cast and heat-treated superalloys tend to be refined, while element Zr addition has a minor effect on the volume fraction and size of γ'' phase. The variation of Zr content has little effect on the tensile properties at room temperature and the tensile strength at high temperature (760 ℃) of the heat-treated superalloy, but significantly influences the ductility at 760 ℃ and stress rupture life at 760 ℃/662 MPa. The superalloy with 0.016wt% Zr content demonstrates the highest high-temperature elongation and the stress rupture life, which are 53.8% and 16.8% higher, respectively, compared to the 0Zr alloy.