Significant improvement in high-temperature ductility of SLM-fabricated IN718 alloy through yttrium micro-alloying
摘要
0.05 wt.% Y was incorporated into IN718 alloy powders, and specimens were fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) technology. High-temperature tensile tests were then performed at 650 °C on both the as-built and heat-treated specimens. The results revealed that both the as-built and heat-treated 0.05Y-IN718 specimens exhibit a slight increase in tensile strength compared to 0Y-IN718 specimen, attributed to the formation of Y–O and Y–Al–O nano-oxides. Notably, the ductility of 0.05Y-IN718 alloy was largely improved in as-built state, but only marginally improved in heat-treated state. Previous research suggests that the improved ductility can be ascribed to Y effect on grain boundary purification and alterations in the morphology of carbides and δ phase. However, an in-depth analysis was conducted based on the scanning/transmission electron microscope and density functional theory results and demonstrated that it is Y segregation in the Laves/γ matrix interface that actually plays the vital role for enhancing interfacial bonding. Hence, the extremely fast cooling rate during SLM processing facilitates mass accumulation of Y in the interdendritic region or cellular wall, achieving a large improvement in the ductility.