Microstructure and mechanical properties of carbides reinforced nickel matrix alloy prepared by selective laser melting

Abstract

Selective laser melting was used to prepare the ceramic particles reinforced nickel alloy owing to its high designability, high working flexibility and high efficiency. In this paper, a carbides particles reinforced Haynes 230 alloy was prepared using SLM technology to further strengthen the alloy. Microstructures of the carbide particles reinforced Haynes 230 alloy were investigated using electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Meanwhile, the tensile tests were carried out to determine the strengths of the composite. The results show that the microstructure of the composite consisted of uniformly distributed M23C6 and M6C type carbides and the strengths of the alloy were higher than the matrix alloy Haynes 230. The increased strengths of the carbide reinforced Haynes 230 alloy (room temperature yield strength 113 MPa increased, ~ 33.2%) can be attributed to the synergy strengthening including refined grain strengthening, Orowan strengthening and dislocation strengthening.