1Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Technologies, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran ,Iran
2Ph.D Student, Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Technologies, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
3Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing Technologies, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran , Iran
چکیده
In this study, the effect of homogenization time on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the cast AD730 superalloy at 1100 °C was investigated. The as-cast microstructure consisted of a dendritic structure along with interdendritic phases, including η phase, Laves phase, γ/γ′ eutectic, and MC carbides. Microscopic examinations and localized analyses revealed that the eutectic and Laves phases were completely dissolved during the early stages of homogenization, while the η phase disappeared after 10 hours. Increasing the homogenization time led to improved chemical uniformity and gradual elimination of the dendritic structure, such that a fully homogenized microstructure was achieved after 25 hours. However, at this stage, the formation of voids was observed, indicating adverse effects due to over-homogenization. Hardness testing showed a continuous decrease in hardness with increasing homogenization time, which was attributed to the gradual dissolution of the strengthening γ′ precipitates. Based on these findings, an optimal homogenization time of 15 to 20 hours at 1100 °C is suggested, which can eliminate undesirable phases and enhance compositional uniformity while avoiding structural defects.