Characterization of White Layer Generated when Turning Aged Inconel 718

White layer formation is considered as a part of minimum array of parameters characterizing surface integrity of the machined product. The paper is aimed on identification and characterization of white layer generated when finish turning aged Inconel 718 with Al2O3-SiCw ceramic tools under different cutting conditions, tool wear and coolant application. As expected intensity of white layer formation was proportional to cutting speed and tool wear. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) performed on white layer revealed formation of nanostructured material with grain size of 50-150 nm. Long-term ultrasonic-assisted etching of white layer allowed to uncover its morphology, where subsequent AFM measurements confirmed HRTEM findings. Observations by high resolution SEM provided evidence that γ’ Ni3(Al,Ti) phase remained intact.