Microstructural Changes of FSX-414 Superalloy during TLP Bonding

Abstract
The as-cast FSX-414 Co-based superalloy samples were solution treated at 1150oC for 4h and then aged at 980oC for 4h. Specimens for joining were cut from the as-cast ingot and TLP bonding carried out at the same conditions as for the solution and solution+aging treatment, using MBF-30 interlayer. Microstructures were studied for as-cast, heat treated and TLP bonded specimens. These studies showed that the ununiform distributed carbides of MC type in the as-cast specimens replaced by M23C6 type carbides with uniform distribution in the heat treated microstructure. Due to complete isothermal solidification, no eutectic structure in the bond region were wasobserved, but some intermetallics in the diffusion affected zone (DAZ) were observed. Microhardness tests were used to compare the hardness of age hardened specimens with bonded specimens at the same heat treatment condition. Hardness profile also showed a peak in DAZ region in spite of complete isothermal solidification.