Technical Guide

Haynes 188: Cobalt-Based Superalloy for High-Temperature Gas Turbine Applications

UNS R30188 / W.Nr. 2.4964 — Cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten superalloy with outstanding oxidation resistance up to 1095°C, superior sulfidation resistance, and excellent long-term structural stability for combustion chambers and turbine components.

Haynes 188 cobalt-based superalloy material - Shanghai Hangbo Alloy
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Overview

Haynes 188 (UNS R30188 / W.Nr. 2.4964) is a solid-solution strengthened cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten superalloy developed by Haynes International specifically for the most demanding high-temperature applications in gas turbine engines. Unlike precipitation-hardened nickel superalloys such as Inconel 718 or Waspaloy, Haynes 188 relies on tungsten as its primary solid-solution strengthening element and a unique lanthanum addition that dramatically improves oxidation resistance at temperatures above 1000°C.

The alloy's cobalt-rich matrix provides inherent advantages over nickel-based alternatives at extreme temperatures. Cobalt has a higher solidus temperature than nickel, which translates to better structural stability and creep resistance at temperatures approaching 1100°C. The face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure of the cobalt matrix remains stable throughout the entire service temperature range, unlike some nickel alloys that can undergo phase transformations at very high temperatures. This makes Haynes 188 particularly suitable for combustion chamber liners, transition ducts, and other components exposed to the hottest gas paths in turbine engines.

One of the most distinctive features of Haynes 188 is its lanthanum content (0.02–0.12%). Lanthanum is a reactive element that modifies the morphology and adhesion of the chromium oxide scale formed during high-temperature exposure. This "reactive element effect" (REE) suppresses scale spallation during thermal cycling and significantly extends the alloy's useful life in oxidizing environments. The benefit is most pronounced above 980°C, where conventional nickel-chromium alloys begin to suffer rapid oxide loss and accelerated degradation.

Haynes 188 also exhibits outstanding resistance to sulfidation attack, which is a critical concern in gas turbine environments where residual sulfur in fuel can cause rapid deterioration of high-temperature components. The alloy's tungsten and lanthanum additions work synergistically with chromium to form a protective scale that resists both oxidation and sulfidation simultaneously. This dual-protection capability makes it one of the most reliable alloys for land-based and marine gas turbine combustors operating with sulfur-containing fuels.

At Hangbo Alloy Group, Haynes 188 is supplied per AMS 5608 (sheet and strip), AMS 5772 (bar and wire), and custom specifications. We produce round bars, sheet, plate, seamless tubes, and welding wire for gas turbine manufacturers, aerospace contractors, and high-temperature furnace builders worldwide. Full material certifications, heat treatment records, and NDT reports are provided with every shipment.

Quick Specifications

R30188
2.4964
8.91 g/cm3
1300 - 1370 °C (2370 - 2498 °F)
860 MPa (125 ksi)
380 MPa (55 ksi)
1095 °C (2000 °F)
45 - 50%

Chemical Composition (AMS 5608 / AMS 5772)

The chemistry of Haynes 188 is designed to optimize solid-solution strengthening, oxidation resistance, and structural stability at extreme temperatures. Cobalt provides the stable FCC matrix; tungsten is the primary strengthener at 13–15%; chromium delivers oxidation and sulfidation resistance; and nickel improves workability and ductility. The lanthanum addition is uniquely effective at enhancing oxide scale adhesion during thermal cycling above 980°C.

ElementMin %Max %
Cobalt (Co)36.041.0
Nickel (Ni)20.024.0
Chromium (Cr)19.023.0
Tungsten (W)13.015.0
Iron (Fe)3.0
Lanthanum (La)0.020.12
Manganese (Mn)1.25
Silicon (Si)0.35
Carbon (C)0.10
Boron (B)0.015
Sulfur (S)0.015
Phosphorus (P)0.015

Physical Properties

Haynes 188 exhibits physical properties consistent with its cobalt-rich matrix. The density of 8.91 g/cm³ is higher than typical nickel-based superalloys, reflecting the heavy tungsten addition. Thermal conductivity increases significantly with temperature, which helps dissipate heat from hot combustion zone surfaces. The coefficient of thermal expansion is moderate, reducing thermal stress in cyclic applications.

PropertyValueUnit
Density8.91g/cm3
Melting Range1300 - 1370°C
Specific Heat (21°C)410J/kg·K
Thermal Conductivity (21°C)9.4W/m·K
Thermal Conductivity (800°C)23.0W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity (21°C)0.92μΩ·m
Modulus of Elasticity (21°C)207GPa
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (21-93°C)12.6μm/m·°C
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (21-1093°C)16.0μm/m·°C

Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature

As a solid-solution strengthened alloy, Haynes 188 does not require precipitation hardening heat treatment. The alloy is supplied in the solution-annealed condition, typically at 1175°C followed by rapid cooling. The tungsten content provides substantial room-temperature strength, while the high nickel content ensures excellent ductility and toughness. The elongation values of 45–50% are among the highest for any superalloy, which greatly facilitates forming and fabrication operations.

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength860 MPa (125 ksi)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)380 MPa (55 ksi)
Elongation in 2 inches45 - 50%
Reduction of Area60 - 65%
Hardness90 - 100 HRB (approx. 18 HRC)
Charpy V-notch Impact (room temp)50 - 80 J

Heat Treatment

Haynes 188 is a solid-solution alloy and does not undergo precipitation hardening. The standard heat treatment is a solution anneal at 1175°C (2150°F) for a time proportional to section thickness, followed by rapid cooling (water quenching or air cooling for thin sections). This treatment dissolves any carbides formed during prior processing and restores the alloy to its optimum ductile condition.

  • Solution Anneal (Standard): 1175°C for 10–60 minutes depending on section size, rapid cool. Produces maximum ductility and uniform grain structure.
  • Stress Relief: 980°C for 1 hour, air cool. Used after severe forming operations to reduce residual stress without significantly altering mechanical properties.
  • No Aging Required: Unlike Inconel 718, Waspaloy, or Rene 41, Haynes 188 achieves its strength from tungsten solid-solution strengthening and does not benefit from aging treatments. This eliminates the risk of strain-age cracking during post-weld heat treatment.

The absence of aging requirements simplifies the manufacturing workflow significantly. Fabricated components can be solution annealed after welding and immediately placed into service without additional heat treatment cycles. This is a major advantage for complex combustor assemblies that require extensive welding.

High-Temperature Mechanical Properties

Haynes 188 is specifically engineered to retain useful strength at temperatures where most nickel-based superalloys have lost a significant fraction of their room-temperature capability. The tungsten-strengthened cobalt matrix provides inherent thermal stability, and the alloy does not suffer from the precipitate coarsening problems that limit nickel alloys above 700°C. Its strength retention above 800°C is superior to Hastelloy X, Inconel 625, and other solid-solution nickel alloys.

Temperature (°C)Tensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Elongation (%)
21 (Room)86038048
31677030050
53865026052
64954023055
81648021058
87142019560
98228016565
109314010070

Creep-Rupture Properties

Haynes 188 exhibits excellent creep-rupture strength at temperatures above 815°C, which is its primary service domain. The 100-hour rupture stress at 815°C is approximately 170 MPa, and at 980°C it is approximately 70 MPa. These values are significantly higher than those of Hastelloy X at the same temperatures. The cobalt matrix's inherent thermal stability, combined with tungsten solid-solution strengthening and fine carbide dispersion, provides long-term creep resistance essential for combustor components that must withstand thousands of hours at design temperature.

Oxidation & Sulfidation Resistance

The oxidation and sulfidation resistance of Haynes 188 is its most celebrated property and the primary reason for its selection in the hottest zones of gas turbine engines. Three mechanisms work together to provide exceptional protection:

Oxidation Resistance:

  • Chromium Oxide Scale: The 19–23% chromium content forms a continuous, protective Cr2O3 scale at temperatures up to 1095°C in air and combustion atmospheres.
  • Lanthanum Reactive Element Effect: The 0.02–0.12% lanthanum addition modifies the oxide scale growth mechanism, producing a slower-growing, more adherent scale that resists spallation during thermal cycling. This effect is particularly beneficial above 980°C, where conventional alloys suffer rapid oxide loss.
  • Tungsten Contribution: Tungsten promotes the formation of a thin, continuous internal oxide layer that acts as a secondary diffusion barrier, further reducing oxidation kinetics.

Sulfidation Resistance:

  • Dual-Protection Scale: In sulfur-containing atmospheres (e.g., marine gas turbine environments with residual fuel sulfur), Haynes 188 forms a protective chromium oxide scale that also resists sulfide penetration. The lanthanum-enhanced scale is particularly effective at blocking sulfur diffusion.
  • Superior to Nickel Alloys: In comparative testing at 980°C in SO2-containing atmospheres, Haynes 188 shows 2–5 times less metal loss than Hastelloy X and significantly better resistance than Inconel 617. This makes it the preferred alloy for land-based and marine turbines burning sulfur-containing fuels.

Applications

The combination of outstanding oxidation/sulfidation resistance, useful strength at extreme temperatures, and excellent fabricability makes Haynes 188 the alloy of choice for the most demanding hot-section components in gas turbine engines and related high-temperature systems.

  • Aerospace Gas Turbines: Combustion chamber liners, transition ducts, turbine nozzle vanes, flame holders, and hot-section casings in military and commercial turbofan and turbojet engines. Used extensively in engines where combustor exit temperatures exceed 1000°C.
  • Industrial Gas Turbines: Combustor baskets, transition pieces, and hot gas path liners in land-based power generation turbines. Preferred over Hastelloy X in units operating at higher firing temperatures or with sulfur-containing fuels.
  • Marine Gas Turbines: Combustion components in naval propulsion turbines where residual fuel sulfur is a concern. Haynes 188's sulfidation resistance provides significantly longer service life than nickel-based alternatives.
  • Rocket Engines: Nozzle extensions and thrust chamber liners exposed to extremely high combustion gas temperatures. The alloy's high solidus temperature and oxidation resistance are critical for short-duration, extreme-temperature missions.
  • High-Temperature Furnace Hardware: Baskets, trays, and fixtures for industrial heat treatment furnaces operating above 1100°C. The lanthanum-enhanced oxide scale provides long-term protection in cyclic furnace environments.
  • Nuclear Applications: High-temperature reactor components requiring long-term structural stability and oxidation resistance in helium or carbon dioxide environments.

Available Product Forms

Hangbo Alloy Group manufactures and supplies Haynes 188 in a comprehensive range of product forms. All material is produced via vacuum induction melting (VIM) followed by electroslag remelting (ESR) to meet the cleanliness requirements of aerospace specifications.

  • Round Bars: AMS 5772, diameters 6 mm to 200 mm, hot-rolled or forged, solution annealed. Available in standard and custom lengths.
  • Sheet & Plate: AMS 5608, thickness 0.5 mm to 50 mm, solution annealed, descaled. Suitable for combustor fabrication and forming operations.
  • Seamless Tubes: Custom specifications, OD 6 mm to 80 mm, for heat exchanger and instrumentation applications in high-temperature service.
  • Strip: Precision cold-rolled strip in thicknesses 0.1 mm to 3 mm, for spring and seal applications.
  • Welding Wire: AWS A5.14 ERCoCr-1 (ERNiCrCoMo-1 equivalent), precision layer-wound, for GTAW and GMAW welding of Haynes 188 fabrications.
  • Custom Forgings: Open-die and ring-rolled forgings per customer specification, with ultrasonic testing and full NDT certification available.

Related Standards

StandardDescription
AMS 5608Sheet, Strip, and Plate, Solution Annealed
AMS 5772Bar and Wire, Solution Annealed
ASTM F3056Additive Manufacturing (Powder Bed Fusion)
AWS A5.14 ERCoCr-1Welding Wire (Cobalt-Chromium-Tungsten-Nickel)
ASME SA-5608Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Case 2458)
UNS R30188Unified Numbering System Designation
W.Nr. 2.4964European Werkstoff Number

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the density of Haynes 188 alloy?

Haynes 188 has a density of 8.91 g/cm³ (0.324 lb/in³), which is typical for cobalt-based superalloys. This is slightly higher than nickel-based superalloys like Inconel 718 (8.19 g/cm³) due to the high cobalt and tungsten content.

What is the melting point range of Haynes 188?

Haynes 188 has a melting range of 1300–1370°C (2370–2498°F). The high solidus temperature contributes to the alloy's excellent high-temperature structural stability and creep resistance.

What are the main chemical composition elements in Haynes 188?

Haynes 188 is a cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten alloy: Cobalt 36–41%, Nickel 20–24%, Chromium 19–23%, Tungsten 13–15%, Iron max 3%, Manganese max 1.25%, with minor additions of La (0.02–0.12%), Si, C, and B. The tungsten provides solid-solution strengthening, while lanthanum improves oxidation resistance.

What standards cover Haynes 188 alloy?

Haynes 188 is covered by AMS 5608 (sheet and strip), AMS 5772 (bar and wire), ASTM F3056 (additive manufacturing), and AWS A5.14 ERCoCr-1 (welding wire). It also appears in ASME SA-5608 for boiler and pressure vessel applications.

What is the maximum service temperature of Haynes 188?

Haynes 188 can be used continuously at temperatures up to 1095°C (2000°F) in oxidizing environments. For short-term exposures, it can withstand temperatures approaching 1200°C. The alloy is specifically designed for gas turbine combustion zone temperatures.

How does Haynes 188 compare to Hastelloy X?

Both are high-temperature superalloys, but Haynes 188 is cobalt-based while Hastelloy X is nickel-based. Haynes 188 offers superior oxidation resistance above 980°C and better sulfidation resistance, making it preferred for the hottest combustion zones. Hastelloy X has better weldability and lower cost, suitable for slightly lower temperature applications.

Is Haynes 188 weldable?

Yes, Haynes 188 can be welded using GTAW (TIG) and GMAW (MIG) processes with matching ERCoCr-1 filler wire. It does not suffer from strain-age cracking like some precipitation-hardened nickel superalloys. However, careful interpass temperature control and proper joint preparation are essential.

What are the typical tensile properties of Haynes 188 at room temperature?

In the solution-annealed condition, Haynes 188 exhibits tensile strength of 860 MPa (125 ksi), yield strength of 380 MPa (55 ksi), and elongation of 45–50%. These properties are maintained at a high level even at elevated temperatures, with tensile strength of approximately 480 MPa at 815°C.

What product forms are available for Haynes 188?

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Haynes 188 as round bars (6–200 mm diameter), sheet and plate (0.5–50 mm thickness), seamless tubes, strip, and welding wire (ERCoCr-1). Custom forgings and precision-machined components are also available.

What industries use Haynes 188 alloy?

Haynes 188 is primarily used in aerospace gas turbine engines (combustion chambers, transition ducts, turbine vanes), industrial gas turbines, rocket engine nozzles, high-temperature furnace hardware, and nuclear reactor components requiring long-term oxidation resistance above 1000°C.

How does the lanthanum addition improve Haynes 188?

The 0.02–0.12% lanthanum addition in Haynes 188 promotes the formation of a more adherent and protective chromium oxide scale. This reactive element effect dramatically reduces oxide spallation during thermal cycling and extends the alloy's useful life in oxidizing environments above 1000°C.

What is the typical price range for Haynes 188?

Due to its high cobalt and tungsten content, Haynes 188 is significantly more expensive than nickel-based alternatives. Round bars typically range from $80–$150 per kg depending on size, quantity, and specification. Sheet and plate are generally $100–$200 per kg. Contact our sales team for current pricing.

Contact Us for Haynes 188

Hangbo Alloy Group maintains mill-direct supply of Haynes 188 round bars, sheet, plate, tubes, and welding wire per AMS 5608 and AMS 5772 specifications. Our team can assist with material selection, heat treatment specification, NDT requirements, and export documentation. We support gas turbine manufacturers, aerospace contractors, and high-temperature equipment builders worldwide with reliable quality and competitive delivery.

For quotations, material certifications, or technical consultation, contact our sales team or call +86-136-1165-6360. We typically respond within 10 minutes.

Need Haynes 188 Material?

Request a quotation for Haynes 188 round bars, sheet, plate, tubes, or welding wire. We stock standard sizes and accept custom orders per AMS 5608/5772.