Role of crystallographic and morphological textures on wear resistance of an additive-manufactured Ni-based superalloy

This study employs the LPBF process to design components with specific scanning strategies, particularly emphasising the crystallographic texture. The present study aims to assess the relationships between the microstructural features and the tribological behaviour of a novel Ni-based superalloy developed explicitly for additive manufacturing. The tribological tests are conducted with a reciprocating ball-on-flat rig without lubrication at room temperature. The analysis of the as-built microstructures and wear tracks was primarily conducted using SEM and XRD techniques. A variety of scanning strategies are investigated to tailor the microstructures. The specific wear rate is sensitive to changes in microstructure, with values ranging from 2.82 ± 0.58 × 10 − 7 mm 3 /(N mm) to 4.75 ± 0.43 × 10 − 7 mm 3 /(N mm). However, it is observed that samples manufactured using different scanning strategies but with the same resulting crystallographic texture exhibit different wear rates. Consequently, the crystallographic texture does not significantly affect the wear rate. Cellular structure, in terms of size, morphology and heterogeneities among melt pools, and coverage rate by oxidised layers exert a more pronounced influence. The SEM observations of the wear tracks indicate that the primary main wear mechanisms are abrasive and oxidative wear. • Capability to generate various multi-scale microstructures by changing the scanning strategy. • Strong trend between the wear rate of the parts, the recovery rate and the cellular structure. • The crystallographic texture does not appear to play a significant role.