Hot forming behavior of tungsten carbide reinforced Ni-Based superalloy 625 additively manufactured by laser directed energy deposition

Abstract

The demands of high-performance industries such as aerospace, automotive, tool manufacturing, oil, and gas industries are driving the innovation in high-performance materials and their production methods. This study explores the impact of hybrid manufacturing, specifically the effect of the addition of tungsten carbide (WC/W2C) via Laser-Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED), on the hot workability, hardness, and microstructure of nickel-based superalloy Inconel 625 (IN625). IN625 is known for its high temperature and high corrosion resistance, and tungsten carbide for its high wear resistance and grain refinement effect. The integration of WC/W2C particles into the IN625 matrix, in addition to the use of the hybrid approach of additive manufacturing followed by a hot–forming process, significantly influences the microstructure and mechanical behavior of the material. Thus, while incorporation of the WC/W2C can strengthen the material and extend the mechanical limitations, its full impact, including any potential usages, should be thoroughly evaluated for the intended application of the materials. To understand the effect of WC/W2C, additive manufacturing of IN625 both with and without WC/W2C and isothermal hot compression was carried out. The objective is to analyze the differences in microstructure and properties between L-DED manufactured IN625, and WC-reinforced IN625, and their hot-forming behavior, focusing on the effects of WC addition and post-deformation on microstructure and mechanical properties. This work represents the first investigation into the effect of WC/W2C hard particles on the hot-forming process of additively manufactured Ni-based metal matrix composites.