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Revealing the As-Cast and Homogenized Microstructures of Niobium-Bearing Nickel-Based Superalloy

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Abstract

The as-cast structure and its evolution during homogenization heat treatment for a typical nickel-based superalloy (Inconel 718) were studied based on different etching methods. Unambiguous revealing of the dendritic microstructure and the austenite/Laves eutectic constituent in the interdendritic areas was considered as the basis for the judgment for appropriateness of the etching techniques. Both chemical etching and electrolytic etching techniques were taken into account. The waterless Kalling’s reagent number 2 was found to be a suitable etchant for revealing the macrostructure of the alloy. It was also concluded that electroetching by a H2SO4 solution and by a solution containing HCl, HNO3 and glycerol are appropriate for studying the as-cast and homogenized microstructures based on optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The dissolution of the Laves phase, the coarsening of the grains, and the development of annealing twins during exposure at elevated temperatures were also briefly discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Javad Sohrabi, Hamed Mirzadeh & Mohsen Rafiei

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  1. Mohammad Javad Sohrabi
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  2. Hamed Mirzadeh
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  3. Mohsen Rafiei
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Correspondence to Hamed Mirzadeh.

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Sohrabi, M.J., Mirzadeh, H. & Rafiei, M. Revealing the As-Cast and Homogenized Microstructures of Niobium-Bearing Nickel-Based Superalloy. Inter Metalcast 13, 320–330 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40962-018-0255-y

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