Effect of ZrH2 particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of IN718 manufactured by selective laser melting

The influence of Zr additions (in the form ZrH2 particles) on microstructure and mechanical properties IN718 Ni-based superalloy manufactured by selective laser melting was explored. Fully dense alloys could be obtained careful selection processing parameters. addition did not modify alloy but introduced a dispersion Zr-rich globular particles approximately 50 nm in diameter which increased strength as-printed material at ambient (23 °C) high temperature (550 °C). Heat treatments solubilization followed aging led to fine γ'' precipitates that controlled alloy, independent Zr. Moreover, dynamic strain ageing found heat treated materials when deformed 550 °C. Finally, perpendicular building direction higher than along direction, regardless treatment temperature. Computational homogenization simulations showed anisotropy associated with strong texture.