The effects of the γ″-Ni₃Nb phase on the mechanical properties of Inconel 718 superalloys, with standard heat treatment, hot isostatic pressing + solution treatment + aging, and hot isostatic pressing + direct aging, were characterized by morphological observation, X-ray diffraction, and tensile experiments. The results of the morphological observation revealed that many fine γ″ precipitates of ~26.49 ± 1.82 nm in mean size were formed in all samples. However, the relatively coarser γ″ precipitates formed in the grain boundaries were only observed in the sample treated with hot isostatic pressing + direct aging. The yield strengths of the hot isostatic pressing + direct aging sample at room temperature and at 650 °C both exhibited the maximum values about 993 ± 5.7 and 811 ± 12.6 MPa, respectively. The γ″ precipitate was considered to be the dominant strengthening phase in the sample according to the lattice misfits (ε) of γ/γ″. The strengthening mechanism of the samples can be explained as the coherency strain strengthening of fine γ″ precipitates. Moreover, due to the coarser γ″ precipitates in the grain boundaries, dislocation-cut ordered particle strengthening also occurred in the sample after hot isostatic pressing + direct aging treatment.

The mould foot roller is a key component of a continuous casting machine. In order to investigate the possibility of using laser cladding to repair mould foot roller, Fe-based powders and 42CrMo steel are used in this work. The laser cladding process parameters were optimized by orthogonal experiments. The chemical compositions, microstructure, properties of the cladding layer under the optimum process parameters, and substrate were systematically investigated by using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness test, wear test, and salt spray corrosion test. The results indicate that the primary factor affecting the width and depth of the cladding layer is laser power. The scanning speed also has a significant effect on the height of the cladding layer. The optimum process parameters for repairing the mould foot roller are 2 kW laser power, 4 mm/s scanning speed, and 15 g/min feeding rate of powder. Along the depth direction of the cladding layer, the microstructure of the coating gradually transforms from plane crystal, cell grains, or dendrites to equiaxed grains. The matrix is mainly martensite with retained austenite; the eutectic phase is composed of netlike M₂B, particulate M₂₃(C,B)₆, and M₇(C,B)₃ phase. The hardness of the cladding layer is significantly improved, about three times that of the substrate. The weight loss of the cladding layer is just half that of the substrate. Its wear resistance and corrosion resistance have been significantly improved. The work period of the laser cladding-repaired foot roller is much longer than for the surfacing welding-repaired one. In summary, laser cladding technology can increase the life of mould foot rollers.