The Influence of the Melt-Pouring Temperature and Inoculant Content on the Macro and Microstructure of the IN713C Ni-Based Superalloy

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of melt-pouring temperature T m and inoculant (cobalt aluminate—CoAl 2 O 4 ) concentration in the prime coat of the shell mold on the macro- and microstructure of the IN713C superalloy. The results show that cobalt aluminate is an effective modifier of the IN713C superalloy, which causes refinement of the equiaxed grains (EX) and a reduction of the fraction and size of the columnar grains on the casting surface. Also, the melt-pouring temperature in the range of 1450–1520°C was found to influence the mean EX grain size. Based on the results of differential thermal analysis of the alloy and detailed microstructure characterization, a sequence of precipitations has been proposed that advances current understanding of processes that take place during alloy solidification and casting cooling.