Due to the outstanding creep performance, nickel-based single crystal superalloys (Ni-SXs) are extensively applied in modern aero-engine and industrial gas turbine. Apart from the special single crystal structure which is disadvantageous to extension of creep cracks, Ni-SXs derive the creep strength from intrinsic two-phase microstructure (γphase and γ’ phase). Main microstructural parameters including volume fraction of γ’ phase and the lattice misfit, and the formation and distribution of precipitated phase are determined by the compositions of alloys. Besides, the creep properties are greatly influenced by these microstructural parameters and precipitated phase. This review has summarized the relationships between different alloying elements and microstructures and indicated their influence on creep properties of Ni-SXs. In addition, with the improvements of experimental methods and characterization technique, some recent discoveries have provided additional evidence to support or challenge the pervious creep theories of superalloys. In view of these new discoveries, this review has provided some perspectives which can be referenced in future compositional design of Ni-SXs.

由于出色的蠕变性能，镍基单晶高温合金（Ni-SXs）广泛应用于现代航空发动机和工业燃气轮机。除了不利于蠕变裂纹扩展的特殊单晶结构外，Ni-SXs还从固有的两相微观结构（γ相和γ'相）获得蠕变强度。主要的微观结构参数包括γ'相的体积分数和晶格失配以及沉淀相的形成和分布，这取决于合金的成分。此外，蠕变性能还受到这些微结构参数和析出相的极大影响。这篇综述总结了不同合金元素与显微组织之间的关系，并指出了它们对Ni-SXs蠕变性能的影响。此外，随着实验方法和表征技术的改进，最近的一些发现提供了额外的证据来支持或挑战超级合金的蠕变理论。鉴于这些新发现，本综述提供了一些观点，这些观点可在未来的Ni-SXs成分设计中参考。