The effects of solution treatment on the microstructure of the cast Ni-based IN100 superalloy

Abstract

In this research, the effects of the partial, full and partial + full solution heat treatments followed by aging at 900 °C for 10 h, on the microstructure of cast Ni-based IN100 superalloy were assessed. It has been found that, the alloy in the partial + full solution treated condition had the optimal combination of γ’ morphology, volume fraction and size. In this condition, the alloy possesses a cubic primary γ’with an average size of 470 ±10nm and 45% volume fraction. Discrete M23C6 and M6C carbides were formed at the grain boundaries and the morphology of the cubic MC carbide was changed to the spherical shape. In addition, the volume fraction of γ’/γ eutectic phase dropped to half of its value, compared to the as-cast alloy. During partial solution treatment followed by aging, discrete carbides were formed at the grain boundaries. This treatment without full solutioning was not an effective method to provide an optimal volume fraction and arrangement of γ’ and MC carbides morphology. Full solutioning alone, changed the cubic morphology of the primary γ’ and the blocky MC carbides to the spherical shape.