The effect of phosphorus on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ATI 718Plus alloy

Since the discovery in the 1990s of the abnormal improvement produced by phosphorus in the stress rupture and creep life of Inconel 718 (hereafter referred to as 718), a great deal of additional research followed. However, the mechanism of the action of phosphorous in 718 is still in question. This paper details an experimental study that was intended to determine how phosphorus acts upon the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni–Fe based alloy 718Plus. The results show that phosphorus has little effect on the strength and ductility of alloy 718Plus, but can significantly improve the stress rupture life. Phase constituents such as the δ and γ′ phases were quantitatively analyzed using electrolytic phase isolation and micro-chemical and XRD analysis as the phosphorous content of the alloy was increased. A full atom mapping of the distribution of phosphorus in the 718Plus alloy was quantitatively determined using APT (Atom Probe Tomography) technique. The results showed that there is no significant segregation of phosphorus at the γ′/γ and γ′/γ′ interface, but it significantly segregates at the grain boundaries and δ/γ interface. It was found that phosphorus is extremely depleted in the δ phase, which is believed to inhibit δ-phase precipitation by preventing δ phase nucleation and growth in the 718Plus alloy. Finally, the influence of phosphorus on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the 718Plus alloy was discussed.