Abstract
Inherent micro-cracking mechanisms in two contrasting high-gamma-prime (high-γ’) Ni-based superalloys processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) were investigated. RENÉ 65 (R65) has a 42% γ’ volume fraction including Al, Ti, and Nb, while RENÉ 108 (R108) has a higher γ’ volume fraction (63%) including Al, Ta, and lesser Ti. Quantitative analysis showed R108 exhibits 329% higher micro-cracking density than R65. All micro-cracks propagate along high angle boundaries (HABs) and exhibit interdendritic morphologies suggesting solidification cracking is the dominant micro-cracking mechanism. Moreover, secondary phases detrimental for solid-state cracking are not observed at the HABs. Atom probe tomography (APT) showed preferential segregation of Hf, Mo, C, B at the R108 HAB and Zr, Ti, Mo, C, B at the R65 HAB. The Kou solidification cracking criterion showed that Hf and Zr partitioning along the grain boundaries increases micro-cracking susceptibility. Gamma prime did not form during the LPBF process and titanium has a higher tendency than tantalum to partition in the last liquid to solidify.
Published Version
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