Effect of Surface Modification by Friction Stir Process on Overlap Welded Inconel 718 Alloy

Abstract

To evaluate the development of the microstructure and mechanical properties on surface modified and post-heattreated Inconel 718 alloy, this study was carried out. A friction stir process as a surface modification method was employed, and overlap welded Inconel 718 alloy as an experimental material was selected. The friction stir process was carried out at a tool rotation speed of 200 rpm and tool down force of 19.6-39.2 kN; post-heat-treatment with two steps was carried out at 720 o C for 8 h and 620 o C for 6 h in vacuum. To prevent the surface oxidation of the specimen, the method of using argon gas as shielding was utilized during the friction stir process. As a result, applying the friction stir process was effective to develop the grain refinement accompanied by dynamic recrystallization, which resulted in enhanced mechanical properties as compared to the overlap welded material. Furthermore, the post-heat-treatment after the friction stir process accelerated the formation of precipitates, such as gamma prime (γ') and MC carbides, which led to the significant improvement of mechanical properties. Consequently, the microhardness, yield, and tensile strengths of the post-heat-treated material were increased more than 110 %, 124 % and 85 %, respectively, relative to the overlap welded material. This study systematically examined the relationship between precipitates and mechanical properties.