Small angle neutron scattering comparative investigation of Inconel 738 samples submitted to different ageing treatments

Inconel 738 samples submitted to different annealing temperatures and ageing times have been investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS), with the aim to study precipitates phases microstructural evolution and material behaviour. The same material is a γ′ (Ni3Al, Ti) precipitation hardened nickel base superalloy adopted at high temperatures in aggressive environments, and it has found applications over a very wide range of temperature. Information on the thermal treatment effects have been obtained, in particular concerning precipitate size and volume fraction distributions. The results contribute to confirm the adopted method to a level of industrial applicability in the considered sector.