Difference of properties after heat treatment between GH4169 and GH3536 alloys fabricated by direct energy deposition

In this study, thin-walled parts of GH4169 and GH3536 superalloys were prepared using the direct energy deposition (DED) method, respectively. The results revealed that solution aging treatment was effective in eliminating the boundary of the molten pool and refining the grain structure to some extent. Subsequently, the Laves phase redissolved in the γ matrix, releasing Nb element. This was followed by the formation of γ′, γ″, and δ phases, which effectively improved the yield strength and tensile strength of the GH4169 alloy after high temperature heat treatment. In the case of the GH3536 alloy, heat treatment caused a change in microstructure from columnar crystals to larger equiaxed crystals. Additionally, chain carbides precipitated at the grain boundaries, which increased the elongation after fracture but decreased the yield strength and tensile strength to some extent. Following solid solution aging treatment, the ultimate tensile strength of GH4169 deposited parts exhibited a 27.7% increase in the deposition direction and a 15.6% increase in the laser scanning direction. Conversely, the tensile strength of GH3536 showed minimal variations, but the elongation in both directions experienced notable improvements, rising by 22% and 20.7%, respectively. Solution aging treatment further eliminated the mechanical anisotropy of the two superalloys due to the inhomogeneity of microstructure and grains, as well as the existence of molten pool boundaries and grain boundary segregation. Furthermore, the microstructure and mechanical properties of GH3536 alloy were found to be better than those of GH4169 alloy, both before and after aging.