Microstructure characteristics of a René N5 Ni-based single-crystal superalloy prepared by laser-directed energy deposition

Abstract

This work focused on the microstructure and mechanical properties of nickel-based single crystal (SX) superalloy René N5 prepared by laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) using a flat-top laser beam. A comparison was conducted with the conventional directional solidification technique. Results show that the crack-free single-crystal superalloys with a fraction of low-angle grain boundary (LAGB) higher than 98.5% were obtained by epitaxial growth under different laser powers. The flat fusion line using a flat-top laser beam can suppress the formation of stray grain and high-angle grain boundaries (LAGB) during the L-DED process. Microstructure observation shows the extremely refined dendrites in L-DED SX superalloys with primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) values around 20–30 µm, which is significantly lower than as-cast ones (∼350 µm). PDAS increases with the increasing laser power. Segregation of refractory elements of Re, W, and Ta increases with increasing laser power, and the SX specimens with laser power of 1100 W and 1300 W have lower elemental segregation compared with as-cast specimens. The SX specimens exhibit a uniform square γ′ phase at the dendrite core, with an average size of 79–101 nm and a volume fraction of 57–68%. Besides, the carbides with discontinuous and refined shapes show a uniform distribution in the L-DED specimens in comparison with as-cast specimens. The microhardness of as-deposited specimens increases with the increasing laser power, which is higher than that of as-cast ones. This work can provide potential guidance for the microstructure control in the laser additive manufacturing of Ni-based SX superalloys and a further improvement in high-temperature mechanical performance.