Dissolution of η phase and evolution of dynamically recrystallized grains in ATI 718Plus superalloy during hot compressive deformation

The dissolution mechanism of the η-Ni3(Al0.5Nb0.5) phase during hot compression in Ni-based ATI718Plus superalloy has been investigated. The results indicate that with increasing deformation, the amount of dynamic recrystallization in the matrix increases, and the dissolution of the η phase tends to be accelerated. At the precipitation temperature of the η phase of 950 °C, the η phase volume fraction decreased from 9.8% to 3.0% after deformation. The deformation promotes dislocation accumulation at the boundaries of the η phase, developing into subgrains and then evolving into DRX grains due to subgrain rotation. With increased strain, the subgrain rotations and DRX grain growths result in extrusion and subsequent fracture of the η phase. Due to strain incompatibility between the η phase and γ matrix, dislocation sustains are accumulated at their interfaces, which disrupts the η/γ semi-coherent interface, leading to localized amorphization and the decomposition of the η phase. Furthermore, dislocation surrounding the η phase can act as diffusion channels for solute elements, promoting the dissolution of the η phase and resulting in the element concentration gradient distribution from the η phase to the γ matrix.