Variety of phases are produced while the production of nickel based superalloys. The common phases are gamma matrix and gamma prime.

Gamma Matrix: The basic of whole Nickel Superalloys is gamma matrix. The regular phase is non-magnetic in nature and includes a face centered cubic configuration.

Nickel doesn’t show great elastic modulus neither low diffusivity. However, it has an almost filled 3^rd electronic orbit that permits combination with solid solution strengthening elements without losing phase consistency. The compositional elements producing gamma matrix are member of group 5^th,6^th and 7^th such as cobalt, iron, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten.

Gamma Prime: The precipitated phase gamma prime was not observed before 1940. It is produced by the elements of groups 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th. The inclusion of such as aluminum and titanium that are basic solutes, causes are action with nickel elements to produce gamma prime. The configuration of gamma prime is similar to gamma phase i.e. face centered cube. Other elements that take part in forming gamma prime are chromium, hafnium, niobium and tantalum. The gamma prime lattice parameter is nominally different from the gamma phase. The dissimilarity is nominal, less than 0.2%, for circular gamma prime. The approximate match makes it feasible for the gamma prime to precipitate uniformly in a matrix. 

The advantages of the availability of gamma prime in a matrix are significant. The consistency among gamma and gamma prime provides small surface energy and prolong stability. This phase also increases high temperature strength and creeping resistance in many superalloy materials.

The alloy strength is widely based on the volume fraction of gamma’. Many wrought alloys comprise of 20 to 45% gamma prime. Presence of large volume fractions significantly resists the deformation of a material. Cast superalloys comprise of 60% volume fraction that increases alloy’s strength as compared to wrought alloys. It is observed in some superalloys, gamma’ may separate out to the grain boundaries upon subjecting to heat, producing a layer that surrounds M23C6 carbides or degrades the MC carbides. The presence of these layers are considered to enhance the rupturing properties of metals.

Carbides : The inclusion of carbon from 0.02% to 0.2% causes combination with refractory elements like niobium and titanium. The primary carbides like MC, M represents the metals, are produced while alloy’s freezing.  These carbides have face centered cubic structure. MC carbides are a necessary source of carbon while heat processing and application. In these conditions, the carbides cause to degrade into other secondary carbide forms such as M23C6 and M6C. The popularly used M element in forming M23C6 is chromium however iron, tungsten and molybdenum can be observed in this position. The M elements normally observed in M6C are molybdenum and tungsten however the carbide can comprise of chromium, cobalt and tantalum.

The presence of carbides has a crucial role in polycrystalline superalloys however M6C and M23C6 carbides generally precipitate at the grain limits. When commonly produced, they reinforce the boundary and control grain boundary loss. Upon production of M23C6 in the grain boundaries, the magnitude of chromium in matrix is decreased and solubility for gamma prime is increased in these regions. The configuration of carbides is essential for the characteristics. Cellular M23C6 carbides result into early damage while uneven, blocky particles reinforce the alloy.

Suitable intergranular carbides strengthen the material. damaging elements present in the superalloy can be bind up through carbides therefore preventing phase inconsistency while in operation.