Ultra-high temperature testing and performance of L-PBF C103

Additive Manufacturing (AM) of refractory alloys is gaining traction as a materials processing route for components subject to extreme temperature environments. Due to the low oxidation resistance of refractory alloys, novel methods for evaluating their elevated temperature performance must be developed. In this work, a Gleeble® 3800 thermomechanical load frame was modified to evaluate the mechanical properties of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) consolidated niobium alloy C103 ranging from room temperature (RT) to 1400 °C. The fixturing and sample geometry were designed to accommodate Joule heating and prevent damage to the test chamber. Oxidation of the samples was minimized via testing in vacuum level of 1E-5 Torr. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), elongation, and strain-hardening behavior were determined as a function of temperature. L-PBF C103 presented an average UTS of ~650 MPa and over 25 % elongation at RT. Above RT, the UTS and YS dropped then leveled off from 500 °C to 1000 °C with values ranging from ~400 MPa to ~460 MPa, which is consistent with dynamic strain aging observed in this class of alloys. The strength rapidly declined after 1200 °C to ~150 MPa at 1400 °C. Fractography indicated ductile fractures for the C103 at all test temperatures, and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis revealed a textured microstructure and the presence of dynamic recrystallization within the necked region of the sample tested at 1400 °C. • Mechanical testing possible up to 3000 °C with devised testing methodology • L-PBF C103 shows minimal strain-hardening from 1200 to 1400 °C, per stress-strain data. • L-PBF C103 minimum ductility phenomenon confirmed via SEM analyses • L-PBF C103 dynamic strain ages from 500 to 1000 °C, with UTS ≈ YS from 1200 °C beyond • L-PBF C103's strain-hardening peaks at 800 °C