Optimized hot workability of a powder metallurgy nickel-base superalloy

Optimizing hot workability and processing parameters of the difficult-to-work powder metallurgy (P/M) superalloy is critical to obtain a desired component through thermo-mechanic processing (TMP). In this study, a P/M superalloy with tailored grain structure and gamma' particle was prepared through atomization and hot isostatic pressing, then thermal compression tests were performed to evaluate its hot workability based on processing maps and microstructure evolution. Considering the friction and temperature variations during deformation, the flow data were corrected via an integrated method, to construct dependable processing maps. The results illustrated that the P/M superalloy prepared by the modified processing method presents superior hot workability, comparing with the P/M superalloys produced by different routes.