A nonconventional synthesis approach for enhancing mechanical and thermal performance of IN718-(TiCN)-(graphene oxide) nanocomposites via spark plasma sintering

Nickel-based superalloys, particularly Inconel-718 (IN718), are widely recognized for their excellent resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical stress, making them ideal for applications in turbine blades, rocket engines, and high-stress components. This study presents the development of IN718 hybrid composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. Graphene oxide is incorporated to create a carbon-rich environment that facilitates carbide formation within Inconel, while titanium carbonitride (TiCN) is utilized to control grain growth and provide an additional strengthening phase. The composite samples showed a significant improvement in thermal conductivity, from 8.06 to 12.25 W/m·K, and in indentation hardness (up to 3.57 GPa) and elastic modulus (up to 187 GPa). The enhanced mechanical properties were attributed to the precipitation of fine chromium and niobium carbides within the composites. These improvements make the developed superalloy composites promising candidates for applications in the oil, gas, chemical, and aerospace industries.