Зварювання та споріднені технології для відновлення України: Тези допов. конф. під ред. О.Т. Зельніченка. Київ, ТОВ «Видавничий Дім «Патон», 2025, с. 104-104
Restoration of XM-25 turbine blades via ded laser cladding:
microstructural evolution and mechanical performance
An Tiancheng, Olena Berdnikova
ІЕЗ ім. Є.О. Патона НАН України. 03150, м. Київ, вул Казимира Малевича, 11.
High-strength martensitic precipitation-hardened stainless steel XM-25, widely used in low-pressure steam turbine
blades, faces severe surface wear and water erosion during service. This study presents the restoration of large XM-25 blades via Directed Energy Deposition (DED) laser cladding using parent material powder, followed by aging
treatment at 480 °C for 4 hours. The cladding process parameters were optimized to achieve defect-free metallurgical
bonding. Comprehensive characterization, including non-destructive testing (PT, RT), microstructural analysis
(OM, SEM, EDS, XRD), microhardness measurement, tensile testing, and high-cycle fatigue testing (R = 0.1), was
conducted to evaluate the repaired blades. Results show that the cladded layers exhibit refined martensitic structures
with uniformly dispersed precipitation-strengthening phases, microhardness up to 400 HV0.2, tensile strength
exceeding 1200 MPa, and yield strength above 1050 MPa. Residual stress in the cladding area is approximately
30 % of the base material, and the fatigue limit reaches 95 % of the substrate, indicating excellent mechanical performance.
The study demonstrates that DED laser cladding with subsequent aging is a reliable engineering solution
for restoring XM-25 turbine blades, enhancing structural integrity, fatigue resistance, and surface durability.
Restoration of XM-25 turbine blades via ded laser cladding:
microstructural evolution and mechanical performance