Data on the effect of NbC inoculants on the elastic and microstructural evolution of LBP-DED IN718.

The use of inoculants added to precursor powder is a method of influencing grain growth during fabrication. Niobium carbide (NbC) particles have been added to IN718 gas atomised powder for additive manufacturing via laser-blown-powder directed-energy-deposition (LBP-DED). The collected data in this study reveals the effects of the NbC particles on the grain structure, texture and elastic properties, and oxidative properties of LBP-DED IN718 in the As-DED and heat-treated conditions. The microstructure was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) was used to measure the elastic properties and phase transitions during standard heat treatments. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is used to probe the oxidative properties at 650°C.
Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: This work was funded by the EPSRC (through an iCase studentship) and by Rolls-Royce plc.
(© 2023 The Author(s).)