Gamma prime precipitation in as-deposited Ni-based superalloy IN713LC

The as-deposited microstructure of an additively manufactured Ni-based superalloy fabricated using laser powder-bed-fusion has been investigated using atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that γ′ precipitates exist in the as-deposited condition, albeit in a non-equilibrium state. The precipitates are present as nano-structured domains throughout the microstructure. These domains exhibit clear L12 ordering but show highly irregular matrix-precipitate interfaces.