Microstructure characterization of the weld cladding of clad steel plate A516 GR.70 - AISI 904L by electroslag strip cladding using Inconel 625 strip

• Published in: Welding in the world Vol. 67; no. 11; pp. 2571 - 2587
• Main Authors: Picchi, Ivan Bezerra de Mello, dos Santos, Mathews Lima, de Santana, Thiago Henrique Bezerra, de Santana, Renato Alexandre Costa, Torres López, Edwar Andrés, Vicente, André de Albuquerque, de Abreu Santos, Tiago Felipe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.11.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Austenitic stainless steels; Butt joints; Chemistry and Materials Science; Corrosion resistance; Dilution; Dispersion; Fracture strength; Gas metal arc welding; Gas tungsten arc welding; Hot cracks; Low carbon steels; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Microhardness; Microscopy; Microstructure; Nickel base alloys; Niobium carbide; Optical microscopy; Research Paper; Solid Mechanics; Steel plates; Stress concentration; Strip; Submerged arc welding; Superalloys; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Weld cladding; Welded joints; Electroslag strip cladding; Dissimilar metal welding; Partially diluted zone; Superaustenitic stainless steel
• ISSN: 0043-2288; 1878-6669
• DOI: 10.1007/s40194-023-01575-7

This work investigates the effect of welding on microstructure and microhardness of the clad plate of ASTM A516 steel Grade 70 coated with AISI 904L steel, used in the manufacture of oil separator vessels. The plates were welded with a V-groove butt joint by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW) employing mild steel filler wires. The joint back was then cladded with electroslag strip cladding using a single pass of Inconel 625 alloy. Microstructural characterization by optical microscopy reveals predominantly dendritic microstructures and hot cracks at the A516/904L and 904L/IN625 interfaces, with sensitization occurring at the A516/904L interface. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy indicates a strong dispersion of deleterious phases identified as laves, sigma, and the NbC in the vicinity of the partially diluted zones, harmful to properties such as toughness and corrosion resistance. The A516/904L interface presented microhardness regions with values around 400 HV in partially diluted zones, equivalent to martensitic structures, usually associated with stress concentration and reduced fracture strength of the welded joint.