Hot deformation behaviors and microstructure evolution in a new PM nickel-base superalloy

The hot deformation behaviors and the effect of flow stress on the microstructure were investigated for the as-HIPed and as-extruded materials in a new PM nickel-base superalloy. Under most test conditions, the as-extruded material exhibits superplastic flow because of grain growth corresponding to work hardening during deformation process, activation energy for deformation of which is 211 kJ/mol. However, activation energy of deformation for the as-HIPed material is 717 kJ/mol, because grain size is refined due to dynamic recrystallization, the reason being considered to be associated with the initial microstructure before the deformation. Based on the results of compression tests, two constitutive equations for the two materials were established using the mathematical regression; these will provide the valuable helps for predicting and controlling the deformed microstructure as well as optimizing hot-working process.