Dynamic Strain Aging and Embrittlement Behavior of IN718 During High-Temperature Deformation

Abstract

The high-temperature deformation behavior of nickel-base superalloy IN718 was investigated in the solution-treated (ST) condition. High-temperature tensile tests were performed between 600 °C and 850 °C at strain rates of 1 × 10−3, 1 × 10−2, and 1 × 10−1 s−1. The deformation behavior of this material was analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In the investigated temperature–strain rate regime, material undergoes partial precipitation, serrated yielding, and embrittlement. Serrated yielding was observed at 600 °C, 650 °C, and 700 °C and is attributed to dynamic strain aging. The appearance of serrated flow at high temperatures up to 700 °C in the ST condition can be attributed to the availability of excess Nb in the matrix. Beyond 700 °C, Nb concentration significantly decreases in the matrix due to the formation of Ni3Nb precipitate. Nb is responsible for the appearance and disappearance of serrations at high temperature. The alloy exhibits embrittlement phenomenon in the range of 750 °C to 850 °C when thermally exposed in air. The alloy shows a ductile mode of fracture when tested at 600 °C and 700 °C, whereas completely brittle fracture was observed at the 800 °C test temperature. Formation of brittle oxides at grain boundaries in the presence of atmospheric oxygen resulted in the embrittlement of the alloy at 750 °C to 850 °C. An oxidation-assisted intergranular cracking mechanism is responsible for embrittlement of this alloy, which was proved by scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy.