Aging Temperature Effect on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Directed Energy Deposited Inconel 939 Alloy

Directed energy deposition (DED) of Inconel 939 (IN939) alloy is useful for fabricating and repairing geometrically complex components used in gas turbine systems. Repeated laser scanning produces a non-equilibrium microstructure that can support high mechanical strength. However, because the microstructure of DED IN939 differs from that of conventionally manufactured IN939, it may evolve differently under the same post-heat-treatment conditions. Therefore, this study applied different aging temperatures to investigate the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of DED IN939 alloys and to identify suitable post-heat-treatment conditions. Quantitative microstructural characterization showed that both the γ′ phase fraction and γ′ size increased as the first and second aging temperatures increased. Consistent with γ′ evolution under the different aging conditions, specimen strength was positively correlated with aging temperature, whereas elongation decreased because excessive γ′ formation and growth narrowed the γ′ channel width. Consequently, aging at 840 °C for 8 hours followed by aging at 740 °C for 8 hours provided the best combination of high strength and ductility in room-temperature tensile tests.