Tailoring the microstructure and deformation mechanisms of an additively manufactured nickel-based superalloy by post-aging heat treatment

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a new method for preparing the nickel-based superalloy hot-end components. This study systematically investigated the microstructural characteristics and mechanical performance of a γ′-strengthened Haynes 230 alloy after solution heat treatment (SHT) and aging heat treatment (AHT). The results indicate that γ′ phases continue to grow as the AHT temperature increases. The volume fraction of γ′ phases increases first and then decreases. The maximum γ′ phase fraction can be achieved at 750 °C. The yield strength (YS) of the AHT samples at 25 °C and 800 °C increases first and then decreases, which is mainly caused by γ′ phase fraction evolution. The SHT+750 sample presents an excellent integration of tensile performance at 25 °C and 800 °C. The primary deformation mode at 25 °C is stacking fault (SF) shearing. The δ precipitation and high-density Lomer-Cottrell (L-C) locks are the primary reasons for the higher work hardening rate of the SHT+850 sample. The transition of the dominant deformation mechanism from SF shearing at 25 °C to Orowan bypassing at 800 °C leads to a dramatic reduction in the YS of the SHT+850 sample.