TY - JOUR A1 - Ferrari, Bruno A1 - Fantin, Andrea A1 - Said, D. A1 - Fitch, A. N. A1 - Suárez Ocano, Patricia A1 - Mishurova, Tatiana A1 - Roveda, Ilaria A1 - Kromm, Arne A1 - Darvishi Kamachali, Reza A1 - Bruno, Giovanni A1 - Evans, Alexander A1 - Requena, G. A1 - Agudo Jácome, Leonardo A1 - Serrano Munoz, Itziar T1 - The impact of scanning strategy on cell structures in PBF-LB/M/IN718: an in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction study N2 - In additive manufacturing, any change of the process parameters, such as scanning strategy, directly affects the cooling rates, heat accumulation, and overall thermal history of the build. Consequently, parts built with different process parameters tend to have different levels of crystallographic texture, residual stress, and dislocation density. These features can influence the properties of the material and their development during post-processing operations. In this study, IN718 prisms were built by laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) using two different scanning strategies (continuous 67° rotations around the build direction, ROT, and alternating 0°/67° scans, ALT) to provide two different as-built conditions. In situ time-resolved synchrotron diffraction was performed during a solution heat treatment at 1027 °C for 1 h. Ex situ scanning electron microscopy was used to support and complement the in situ observations. An approach to quantify the effect of elemental microsegregation at the cell walls is developed based on the deconvolution of asymmetric γ-nickel matrix peaks. Following this approach, the scanning strategies are shown to affect the as-built fraction of cell walls in the material, resulting in a difference of approximately 5 %, in weight fraction, between ROT and ALT (19 % vs. 24 %, respectively). This microsegregation was observed to be rapidly homogenized during the heating ramp, and no significant changes to the peak shape in the γ peaks occurred during the isothermal part of the heat treatment, regardless of the scanning strategy. KW - Additive manufacturing KW - Inconel 718 KW - Synchrotron x-ray diffraction KW - Heat treatment KW - Laser powder bed fusion KW - Cellular microstructure PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-650958 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.11.214 SN - 2238-7854 VL - 41 SP - 593 EP - 608 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-65095 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Evans, Alexander A1 - Schröder, Jakob A1 - Pirling, T. A1 - Ulbricht, Alexander A1 - Suárez Ocaño, Patricia A1 - Bruno, Giovanni T1 - Resolving the Subsurface Residual Stress Maximum in Laser Powder Bed-Fused 316L Stainless Steel by Diffraction-Based Analysis N2 - Laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) is a metal additive manufacturing process. Due to the complex nature of the layer-wise, repeated heating and cooling cycles, it tends to generate high-magnitude residual stresses. If not correctly understood and mitigated through in- or post-process approaches, these residual stresses can be detrimental as they are often tensile at the surface. However, determining the magnitude and location of peak tensile residual stresses is not trivial as they are often located subsurface. This work focuses on determining the magnitude and location of these deleterious tensile residual stresses in a PBF-LB/316L specimen. Two diffraction-based Methods are used to reveal the relationship between the residual stresses and the underlying microstructure. On the one hand, high spatial resolution Neutron diffraction is used to determine triaxial stresses from the bulk to a depth of 0.15 mm. On the other hand, laboratory X-ray diffraction coupled with electrolytical layer removal allows the biaxial residual stress depth profile to be probed from the surface to a depth of about 0.6 mm. The results show a good agreement between the two methods. The peak residual stress is shown to be 500 MPa, which appears as a plateau between 0.08 and 0.35 mm in depth. KW - Residual stress KW - Diffraction KW - Laser Powder Bed Fusion KW - 316L KW - Additive manufacturing KW - Microstructure KW - AGIL PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-652138 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-025-07719-y SN - 1543-1851 VL - 77 IS - 12 SP - 9726 EP - 9737 PB - Springer Nature AN - OPUS4-65213 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Suárez Ocano, Patricia A1 - Fries, S. G. A1 - Agudo Jácome, Leonardo T1 - Thermodynamic study of a refractory complex concentrated alloy (rCCA) using the CALPHAD method N2 - Multi-principal-element alloys (MPEAs), have recently come to the attention of the scientific community due to their potential for improving properties such as, e.g. mechanical strength and oxidation resistance in high temperature structural applications. The AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr refractory (r)CCA is one such candidate, showing a two-phase microstructure after a two-stage heat treatment under argon atmosphere at a controlled cooling rate. Since the application conditions intended for this alloy require a long-term high temperature (> 700 °C) mechanical and oxidation resistance, it becomes necessary to assess the possible phase development in this regime. The diagrams reveal that two BCC-based phases could form during alloy solidification, where one phase would be enriched with Mo, Nb and Ta while the other phase, with Al, Ti and Zr. Activity oxides diagrams show that a stable form of aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3, Pearson symbol: hR10, corundum) can be formed. T2 - EUROMAT 2019 CY - Stockholm, Sweden DA - 01.09.2019 KW - Chemically Complex Alloy KW - CALPHAD KW - Electromicroscopy PY - 2019 AN - OPUS4-50730 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Suárez Ocaño, Patricia A1 - Ávila Calderón, Luis A1 - Agudo Jácome, Leonardo A1 - Rehmer, Birgit A1 - Mohr, Gunther A1 - Evans, Alexander A1 - Skrotzki, Birgit T1 - Effect of 700–900 °C heat treatments and room and high temperature tensile deformation on the microstructure of laser powder bed fused 316L stainless steel N2 - The effect of post-processing heat treatments on the hierarchical microstructure evolution and mechanical strength of the austenitic stainless steel 316L produced by laser powder bed fusion has been investigated. Heat treatments between 700 and 900 ◦C and 0.5 to 3 h, were applied to samples treated at 450 ◦C for 4 h. The results showed a stable microstructure at all studied temperatures and times in terms of grain size, morphology, aspect ratio, density of low-angle grain boundaries, and texture. However, temperature and time promoted the diffusion of segregated elements together with a reduction in dislocation density and disappearance of the cellular structure. This was associated with a reduction in hardness and tensile proof strength at both room and high temperature. In addition, microstructural characterization coupled with thermodynamic CALPHAD-based equilibrium calculations showed that the formation of carbides and intermetallic phases was already visible after annealing at 800 ◦C for 3 hours, although these intermetallics did not affect the tensile properties at this level. Analysis of the microstructure evolution after tensile deformation showed differences in the deformation mechanisms at room and high temperature, with twinning and martensitic transformation occurring at room temperature, the latter not widely reported for additively manufactured 316L. Finally, comparisons with similar materials produced under comparable conditions showed differences in the tensile properties, attributed to differences in chemical composition and the associated presence of stacking faults in the undeformed state. KW - Additive manufacturing KW - 316L stainless steel KW - Heat treatments KW - Tensile properties KW - Microstructure PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-632471 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2025.148469 SN - 0921-5093 VL - 939 SP - 1 EP - 24 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-63247 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Suarez Ocano, Patricia T1 - Exploring the impact of heat treatment on room and high temperature strength of 316L stainless steel fabricated by PBF-LB N2 - Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) enables the fabrication of 316L stainless steel components with superior strength and intricate geometries. The alloy PBF-LB/M/316L features a fully austenitic microstructure with hierarchical characteristics— such as fine dislocation structures, segregated elements, low-angle grain boundaries, and nano-dispersed silicates—that enhance strength and ductility. Additionally, it includes metallurgical defects and residual stresses. Apart from process control, heat treatments (HTs) are used to tailor the microstructure for specific loading conditions. This study investigate the effects of post-processing HTs on the hierarchical microstructure and tensile properties of PBF-LB/M/316L at room and high temperature. The heat treatments, ranging from 400 °C to 900 °C for 1 to 4 hours, focus on sub-recrystallization temperatures to preserve the microstructural hierarchy. The HTs applied had minimal impact on the grain shape, size, or texture of PBF-LB/M/316L. However, significant modifications occurred in the solidification cellular substructure after HTs at 800 °C and 900 °C, when compared to a heat-treated condition at 450 °C. HTs at 800 °C notably decreased dislocation density and enlarged cellular structures, though they remained partially intact. After 1 hour at 900 °C, the cellular substructure dissipated, correlating with a further reduction in dislocation density. These microstructural changes resulted in a decreased yield strength and increased work hardening capacity at both room and high temperature, highlighting the critical link between HT parameters, microstructural evolution, and mechanical performance. T2 - The 20th International Conference on Strength of Materials (ICSMA 20) CY - Kyoto, Japan DA - 02.06.2025 KW - Additive manufacturing KW - 316L stainless steel KW - Heat treatments KW - Tensile properties KW - Microstructure PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63914 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Suárez Ocano, Patricia T1 - Effect of heat treatment on the hierarchical microstructure and properties of 316L stainless steel produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M). N2 - Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) of AISI 316L stainless steel has gained popularity due to its exceptional capacity to produce complex geometries and hierarchical microstructures, which can increase the yield strength while maintaining good ductility. Nevertheless, owing to high thermal gradients encountered during the process, the as printed 316L stainless steel often exhibit microstructural heterogeneities and residual stresses, which can limit its performance in demanding environments. Hence, employing heat treatments which balance the reduction of residual stresses while retaining improved static strength may be beneficial in various scenarios and applications. This study investigates the impact of post-processing heat treatments on the microstructure of 316L stainless steel manufactured via PBF-LB/M, along with its correlation with micro-hardness properties. To this end, 6 different heat treatments, i.e., 450 °C for 4h, 700 °C for 1h, 700 °C for 3h, 800 °C for 1h, 800 °C for 3h, and 900 °C for 1h, were applied to different specimens and Vickers hardness measurements (HV1) were performed in all states. At 800 °C, although the cellular structure appears to be retained, there is an observable increase in cellular size. However, while treatments exceeding 900 °C indicate no significant grain growth compared to other conditions, the cellular structure is entirely dissolved, which leads to a reduced Vickers hardness. The effect of the heat treatments on other microstructural features such as grain size and morphology, melt pool boundaries (MPB), crystallographic texture, chemical segregation, dispersoids and phase stability are also discussed in the present work T2 - 4th Symposium on Materials and Additive Manufacturing CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 12.06.2024 KW - Additive manufacturing KW - Heat treatment KW - Microstructure PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60304 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Suárez Ocano, Patricia A1 - Agudo Jácome, Leonardo A1 - Lopez-Galilea, I. A1 - Darvishi Kamachali, Reza A1 - Fries, S. G. T1 - Data regarding the experimental findings compared with CALPHAD calculations of the AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr refractory high entropy superalloy N2 - This contribution contains the raw data used to compare experimental results with thermodynamic calculations using the CALPHAD method, which is related to the research article “The AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr refractory high entropy superalloy: experimental findings and comparison with calculations using the CALPHAD method” [1] , and therefore this article can be used as a basis for interpreting the data contained therein. The AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr refractory superalloy was characterized in the cast and annealed condition (1400 °C for 24 h) in order to measure grain size and to identify and measure the size and area fraction of the phases present. The raw data of this article include X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, microstructural characterization by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XRD includes the determination of phases and the lattice parameters (A2, B2, and hexagonal structure). Microstructural analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy includes (1) identification of composition, size, and volume fraction of the present phases and (2) determination of grain size. Based on these experimental data, it is possible to identify similarities and discrepancies with the data calculated using the CALPHAD method for the alloy under study in Ref. [1] , which provides the basis for better and more efficient development of reliable databases. KW - Transmission electron microscopy KW - Scanning electron microscopy KW - Microstructural characterization KW - Refractory high entropy alloys PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-568009 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2022.108858 SN - 2352-3409 VL - 46 SP - 1 EP - 19 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-56800 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Suárez Ocano, Patricia A1 - Fries, S. G. A1 - Lopez-Galilea, I. A1 - Darvishi Kamachali, Reza A1 - Roik, J. A1 - Agudo Jácome, Leonardo T1 - The AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr refractory high entropy superalloy: Experimental findings and comparison with calculations using the CALPHAD method N2 - Detailed microstructural characterization of the AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr refractory high entropy superalloy in the as-cast state is reported for first time and compared with the state annealed at 1400 oC for 24 h. The former shows a dendritic structure, with a mixture of A2/B2 phases < 20 nm in both the dendritic and interdendritic regions. A mostly amorphous phase, rich in Al and Zr, is found within the interdendritic region. The annealed state reproduced the combination of A2/B2/Al-Zr-rich phases reported previously. Calculations from two relevant ThermoCalc databases were compared with the experimental results. Equilibrium calculations were compared with results for the annealed alloy, whereas solidification paths calculated using Scheil-Gulliver model were used for comparison with the as-cast alloy. A previously hypothesized spinodal decomposition during cooling as the mechanism responsible for the patterned A2/B2 microstructure is confirmed via the CALPHAD calculations, pointing to its use as an efficient design tool for such alloys. Finally, the comparison between the experimental and computational findings allowed better understanding the solidification path and equilibrium stability of this alloy, giving a base to make better decisions on the field of new refractory superalloy design. KW - CALPHAD database analysis KW - Refractory superalloys KW - Chemically complex alloy KW - Characterization KW - Microstructure PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-545906 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2022.110593 SN - 1873-4197 VL - 217 SP - 1 EP - 13 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-54590 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Suarez Ocano, Patricia T1 - Influence of heat-treatment-induced microstructural evolution on the Low Cycle Fatigue behavior of 316L stainless steel fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion N2 - Additive manufacturing, particularly the laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) process, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its ability to produce complex geometries with enhanced mechanical properties. Among the various materials used, 316L stainless steel is highly favored for cyclically loaded components due to its exceptional mechanical strength, high-temperature performance, and corrosion resistance, making it widely applicable across various industries. 316L SS fabricated by PBF-LB/M (PBF-LB/M/316L) exhibits a unique hierarchical microstructure, with high density of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), nano-dispersed silicates, chemical micro-segregations, and solidification-induced cellular structures. Particularly, the submicron-sized cellular features enriched with chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo), along with high dislocation densities, contribute to a superior strength-ductility balance compared to conventionally manufactured 316L SS. The dispersed silicate particles act also as a strengthening phase, impeding dislocation movement and enhancing plastic deformation resistance. This study explores the effect of heat treatments on the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of PBF-LB/M/316L at room temperature (RT) and 600 °C. First, three heat treatment conditions were applied to the as-built material: 450 °C for 4 hours (HT450/4), 800 °C for 3 hours (HT800/3), and 900 °C for 1 hour (HT900/1) to investigate their influence on microstructural evolution. Microstructural analysis revealed that the HT450/4 condition preserved the cellular structure with high dislocation density, while the HT800/3 condition showed partial dissolution of cells together with reduction in segregated elements along the cell walls and a reduced dislocation density. The HT900/1 condition resulted in complete segregation and cellular structure dissolution with comparable dislocation density to HT800/3 while maintaining the crystallographic texture and grain morphology. Intermetallic χ phase was mostly observed at the grain boundaries in HT800/3, but not in HT900/1. Fully reversed LCF tests were conducted under strain-controlled conditions with a strain amplitude of 0.8 %. Tests were interrupted at specific intervals to analyze the interaction between hierarchical microstructural features and deformation mechanisms in the three heat-treated conditions. Due to the pronounced dislocation cell structures and elemental segregation, the microstructure of the HT450/4 condition significantly impact deformation and damage mechanisms during cyclic loading, which in turn, differ from the conventional produced counterparts. The results provide insights into the relationship between microstructural features and fatigue performance, highlighting key deformation and failure mechanisms under cyclic loading. T2 - FEMS 2025 EUROMAT 18th European Congress and Exhibition on Advanced Materials and Processes CY - Granada, Spain DA - 14.09.2025 KW - Additive manufacturing KW - 316L stainless steel KW - Heat treatments KW - Low Cycle Fatigue KW - Microstructure PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64238 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Suarez Ocano, Patricia T1 - Effect of the powder composition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel fabricated by laser powder bed fusion N2 - Additive manufacturing (AM) has seen rapid growth in recent decades, with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) emerging as the leading technique for producing high-density, geometrically complex metal parts. Austenitic stainless steel 316L is one of the most studied alloys for PBF-LB/M due to its excellent strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance [1]. The microstructure formed during PBF-LB/M processing can improve certain mechanical properties compared to conventionally manufactured 316L [2]. However, the current 316L standards allow broad ranges for key alloying elements, particularly Cr and Ni. While such variations have little effect on conventionally produced alloys, emerging evidence shows that they can markedly alter the microstructure and mechanical properties in PBF-LB/316L—even within specification limits [3]. This study investigates through microstructural and thermodynamical assessment, how two powders of nominally standard 316L composition (Alloys A and B) respond to identical PBF-LB/M processing parameters. Despite identical printing conditions, Alloy A exhibited twice the grain size and five times higher low-angle grain boundary (LAGB) density compared to Alloy B . Conversely, Alloy B showed a significantly higher density of Σ3 twin boundaries, nearly absent in Alloy A. These microstructural differences are attributed primarily to variations in Cr and Ni content in the liquid, which may influence icosahedral short-range ordering (ISRO) mechanism [4]. ISRO potentially facilitates twin boundary formation, ultimately refining grain structure [5]. This work highlights the critical impact of compositional control on final part microstructures and consequent mechanical properties and emphasizes the need to reassess compositional tolerances for AM-specific applications. T2 - 5th Symposium on Materials and Additive Manufacturing (Additive 2026) CY - Kassel, Germany DA - 24.03.2026 KW - Additive manufacturing KW - 316L stainless steel KW - Chemical composition KW - Lcosahedral short-range ordering mechanism KW - Grain size PY - 2026 AN - OPUS4-65738 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -