Influences of Post-Heat Treatment on the Microstructure Evolution and Creep Properties of Ni-Based Superalloy IN718 Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting

In this study, the Ni-based superalloy IN718, fabricated using an electron beam melting process, was investigated in as-built and various heat-treated conditions. The relationships between the microstructure characteristics and creep properties were elucidated. Under testing conditions of 650 degrees C and 650 MPa, the direct-aged specimen exhibited the lowest steady-state creep rate, at 0.15 x 10(-8) s(-1). The superior creep resistance can be attributed to the higher volume fraction of gamma'/gamma"-strengthening precipitates within the grain and fine delta precipitates along the grain boundaries. Being coherent to the gamma matrix, the nano-sized gamma'/gamma" precipitates effectively hindered the dislocation motion in the grain interior. In addition, controlled grain boundary delta precipitates inhibited grain boundary sliding and decelerated the steady-state creep strain rate during creep deformation.