Weld overlay cladding of high strength low alloy steel with austenitic stainless steel – Structure and properties

The present work aims at studying structure–property correlations in a weld overlay clad high strength low alloy steel with austenitic stainless steel of American Institute for Steel and Iron (AISI) 347 grade. Optical microscopy studies revealed that the interface between the two steels was nearly flat. The base plate had ferrite plus bainite microstructure adjacent to the interface and tempered bainite/martensite structure away from the interface. Grain coarsening and decarburization were observed near the interface. The stainless steel exhibited austenite dendritic structure. Tensile strength, notch-tensile strength and charpy impact energy of the base plate were found to be higher than those for the interface. The microhardness was observed to be maximum on the clad layer near interface. The shear bond strength of the weld overlay-interface was higher than the shear strength of the base plate. Fractography was carried out using scanning electron microscope on tensile, notch-tensile and shear bond test specimens of the interface as well as shear test specimens of the base plate. It revealed the presence of predominantly dimpled rupture. Charpy impact specimens of the interface failed in mixed mode while impact specimens of the base plate failed in ductile mode. Electron probe microanalysis across the bond interface indicated linear change in concentrations of Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Mo, Nb and Si between the levels appropriate to the clad layer and base metal.     

Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties during quenching and tempering of ultrahigh strength 0.3C Si–Mn–Cr–Mo low alloy steel

Effects of quenching and tempering treatments on the development of microstructure and mechanical properties of ultrahigh strength 0.3C Si–Mn–Cr–Mo low alloy steel were investigated. Samples were austenitized at 1123–1323 K for 2400 s and oil quenched (OQ) to produce mixed microstructures. Tempering was carried out at 473–773 K for 2–3 h. Phase transformation temperatures were measured using dilatometer. The microstructures were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscope. SEM–EDS analysis was carried out to determine the type and size of non-metallic inclusions. Volume percent of retained austenite was measured by X-ray diffraction technique. Hardness, tensile properties, and impact energies were also determined for all heat treated conditions. Fractography of impact specimens were done using stereomicroscope and SEM. The results showed that newly developed steel exhibited peak hardness, yield strength, and tensile strength of about 600 HV, 1760 MPa, and 1900 MPa, respectively, when OQ from 1203 K and tempered in between 473 and 573 K, combined with adequate ductility and impact toughness. Decrease in hardness and strength was observed with increasing tempering temperature whereas the impact energy was stable up to 623 K, however, impact energy was found to decrease above 632 K due to temper martensite embrittlement.     

Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of a new β high strength titanium alloy

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a new β high strength Ti–3.5Al–5Mo–6V–3Cr–2Sn–0.5Fe titanium alloy were investigated in this paper. Both the α/β and β solution treatment and subsequent aging at temperatures ranging from 440 °C to 560 °C for 8 h were introduced to investigate the relationship between microstructures and properties. Microstructure observation of α/β solution treatment plus aging condition shows that the grain size is only few microns due to the pinning effect of primary α phase. The β solution treatment leads to coarser β grain size and the least stable matrix. The size and volume fraction of secondary α are very sensitive to temperature and strongly affected the strength of the alloy. When solution treated at 775 °C plus aged at 440 °C, the smallest size (0.028 μm in width) of secondary α and greatest volume fraction (61%) of α resulted in the highest yield strength (1624 MPa). And the yield strength decreased by an average of 103 MPa with every increase of 40 °C due to the increase of volume fraction and decrease of the size of secondary α. In β solution treatment plus aging condition, tensile results shows that the strength if the alloy dramatically decreased by an average of 143 MPa for every increase of 40 °C because of larger size of secondary α phase than α/β solution treated plus aged condition.     

Effect of tempering temperatures on microstructures and properties of 0.28C–0.22Ti wear-resistant steel

The microstructures and properties of a 0.28C–0.22Ti low-alloy wear-resistant steel at different temperatures from 200 to 600°C was experimentally studied. It is shown that the wear resistance of the steel is not monotone changing with its hardness and strength. With the increase of the tempering temperature, the tensile strength and the hardness of the steels were gradually declined; however, the wear resistance was first decreased and then increased. The TiC particles can be divided into two classes: the small TiC particles (about 0.3–0.4?µm in diameter) and the coarse TiC particles (1–5?µm in diameter). The small TiC particles can improve the yield strength of the steels, and the coarse TiC particles can improve the wear resistance of the tested steels.     

Effect of frequency on very high cycle fatigue behavior of a low strength Cr–Ni–Mo–V steel welded joint

Axially fully-reversed fatigue test of a low strength Cr–Ni–Mo–V steel welded joint was conducted up to the very high cycle fatigue regime under the frequency of 110 Hz and 20 kHz. The S–N curve shows a duplex shape at low frequency while decreases continuously at high frequency. Sites of crack initiation and fracture of the welds depend on stress level and loading frequency, hence leading to changed fatigue strength. In addition, frequency effect varies among different parts of the welded joint and fatigue lifetime.     

Effect of welding parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded joints of a super high strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu aluminum alloy

Samples made of a super high strength aluminum alloy with high Zn content were friction stir welded with rotation rates of 350–950 rpm and welding speeds of 50–150 mm/min. The effect of welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. It was observed that the grain size of the nugget zones decreased with the increasing welding speed or the decreasing tool rotation rate. Most of the strengthening precipitates in the nugget zone were dissolved back and the intragranular and grain boundary precipitates in the heat affected zone coarsened significantly. The greatest ultimate tensile strength of 484 MPa and largest elongation of 9.4 were obtained at 350 rpm−100 mm/min and 350 rpm−50 mm/min, respectively. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation deteriorated drastically when rotation rate increased from 350 to 950 rpm at a constant welding speed of 100 mm/min.     

Effect of increasing cooling rate from normalising temperature on structure and properties of a Mn–Cr–Mo–V steel

Abstract

The work was undertaken to study the effect of increasing the cooling rate from the normalising temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a Mn–Cr–Mo–V steel. The steel was to a chemical composition suitable for grade 271 in BS 1501 Part 2 and as such would be used in the normalised and tempered condition. Three linear rates of cooling (12, 36, and 120 K min ^?1) from the normalising temperature were used. With the tenfold increase in cooling rate, yield strength increases of about 20% and tensile strength increases of about 15% were obtained in the final tempered steel. Although these strength increases resulted in a loss in ductility and toughness, the values of these properties were still relatively high. The improvements in strength with increases in cooling rate have been related to an increase in the proportion of bainite and a decrease in the amount of ferrite in the resulting microstructure.

MST/683     

Effect of rolling temperature on the evolution of defects and properties of an Al–Cu alloy

The defects and properties of a precipitation hardening Al–Cu alloy 2017 were studied after rolling at room temperature (RT) and cryogenic (liquid N₂) temperature (CT). It is found that CT rolling produced practically the same hardness as RT rolling for a wide range of rolling strains. However, electrical resistivity measurement revealed a clear difference indicating different defect structures in the CT- and RT-rolled samples. This difference led to higher hardness, after subsequent ageing, for samples processed by CT rolling. It is deduced that precipitation occurred during RT rolling, which compensated for the effect of lower dislocation density (evaluated from X-ray diffraction) in RT-rolled sample, and consequently resulted in similar hardness in both RT- and CT-rolled samples. It is noted that after ageing, CT-rolled sample has higher strength (~35%) than the standard T4 treatment.     

Effects of temperature on interface microstructure and strength properties of titanium–niobium stainless steel diffusion bonded joints

Abstract

The effects of temperature on interface microstructure and strength properties of Ti/stainless diffusion bonded joint using Nb interlayer, processed in the temperature range 800–950°C for 1·5 h in vacuum were investigated. The stainless steel/Nb interface is free from intermetallic phase up to 900°C; however, Fe₂Nb+Fe₇Nb₆ phase mixture has been observed at 950°C processing temperature. The Nb/Ti interface is free from intermetallic for all processing temperatures. The maximum tensile strength of ～287 MPa (～90% of Ti) and shear strength ～222 MPa (～75% of Ti) along with 6·9% ductility have been achieved in the diffusion bonded joints, when processed at 900°C. The bonded samples failure takes place through the stainless steel/Nb interface for all processing temperatures during the loading.     

Hybrid fiber laser – Arc welding of thick section high strength low alloy steel

Hybrid laser – metal active gas (MAG) arc welding is an emerging joining technology that is very promising for shipbuilding applications. This technique combines the synergistic qualities of the laser and MAG arc welding techniques, which permits a high energy density process with fit-up gap tolerance. As the heat input of hybrid laser – arc welding (HLAW) is greater than in laser welding, but much smaller than in MAG arc welding, a relatively narrow weld and restricted heat affected zone (HAZ) is obtained, which can minimize the residual stress and distortion. Furthermore, adding MAG arc can increase the penetration depth for a given laser power, which can translate to faster welding speeds or fewer number of passes necessary for one-sided welding of thick plates. In this work, a new hybrid fiber laser – arc welding system was successfully applied to fully penetrate 9.3 mm thick butt joints using a single-pass process through optimization of the groove shape, size and processing parameters.     

Application of advanced analytical techniques to study structure–property relationship of hot rolled high strength low alloy steel

Abstract

The microstructure–property relationship in conventional high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel was evaluated using data obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). Atom probe tomography allowed the characterisation of fine TiC particles with average radius of 3±1·2 nm that were not observed by TEM. The increase in the yield strength of steel due to the presence of fine precipitates was calculated to be 128 MPa.     

Effect of temperature on high-cycle fatigue and very high cycle fatigue behaviours of a low-strength Cr–Ni–Mo–V steel welded joint

Axially push–pull fatigue tests of a low-strength Cr–Ni–Mo–V steel welded joint were conducted up to very high cycle fatigue regime at room temperature and 370 °C. The S–N curve at room temperature shows a duplex shape, while the S–N curve at 370 °C is continuously decreasing with lower fatigue strength. The welds at 370 °C undergoes dynamic strain ageing and has an enhanced load–defects interaction, leading to equal distribution of failures among different parts of the welds. The Z parameter model, with micro-defect location incorporated, having sound physical representation, is life-controlling of the welds at high temperature.     

Effect of long term elevated temperature service on the properties of type P–22 steel

Abstract

Extensive service at 540°C led to changes in the composition, morphology, size, and distribution of the original carbides that were present in the pre-service steel. This service did not seem to introduce weakening voids along grain boundaries. At low creep stress levels the stress versus Larson–Miller parameter (LMP) curve of the postservice steel indicates better performance than the lower bound of the pre-service steel. The opposite performance was found at high creep stress levels. The service led to only a slight reduction in fracture toughness of the steel. Exposure to post-service accelerated creep tests led to further gradual reduction in fracture toughness. The reductions in fracture toughness were proportional to the creep strain and duration. The formation of spherical carbides during the accelerated creep tests promoted void formation during the fracture process and thus contributed to the observed additional reduction in fracture toughness.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of low alloy steel T11–austenitic stainless steel 347H bimetallic tubes

Abstract

A low alloy steel (T11) has been bonded to an austenitic stainless steel 347H by hot coextrusion under industrial conditions. The final product was a seamless bimetallic tube with 347H cladding the exterior for corrosion resistance in severely corrosive environments at high temperatures. The microstructures of the coextruded bonding have been compared to those obtained in the laboratory, after diffusion bonding experiments, using hot isostatic pressing (hipping). In all cases both the interdiffusion of the different elements across the interface and the microstructure have been analysed by optical microscopy, SEM, and TEM. On the 347H side a profuse precipitation, mainly of NbC, was found in a region near the interface. Only in the hipped specimens, as result of nickel and chromium diffusion from the stainless steel to the T11 steel, a martensite band was observed parallel to the interface. The heat treatment performed on the bimetallic tubes, to obtain the optimum combination of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, consisted of austenitisation between 1050–1100°C, water quenching, and a stabilisation treat ment at 850–900°C, followed by slow cooling.     

Sensitivity of novel 460 MPa proof strength titanium–vanadium microalloyed high strength low alloy steels to annealing linespeed and soak temperature

High strength low alloy steels are characterised by predominantly ferritic microstructures, strengthened by grain boundary and precipitation strengthening. Both of these strengthening mechanisms traditionally arise from the niobium addition. Increasing the niobium addition would theoretically increase strength. However, increasing niobium content above ~ 0.04 wt.% is not recommended in industrial practice due to narrowing of the annealing process window. Two novel grades exhibiting different additions of titanium and vanadium in place of the traditional niobium addition were investigated. Sensitivity to annealing linespeed and soak temperature was investigated to conclude whether a practically achievable process window exists and moreover, to conclude whether proof strength in excess of 420 MPa could be achieved while satisfying the maximum ultimate tensile strength and minimum total elongation specifications of CEN Grade HC420LA under European Standard EN 10268:2006. One of the two novel grades, exhibiting higher manganese and vanadium contents, met the minimum proof strength target, while almost satisfying the maximum ultimate tensile strength and minimum total elongation specifications. However, the annealed microstructure was found to be partially recrystallised, which is not recommended in industrial practice. Moreover, sensitivity to annealing linespeed and soak temperature was considered too great to obtain a practically achievable process window.     

Effect of friction welding parameters on mechanical and metallurgical properties of aluminium alloy 5052–A36 steel joint

Abstract

The mechanical and metallurgical properties of friction welded joints between type 5052 aluminium alloy and type A36 steel have been studied in the present work. Joint strength increased with increasing upset pressure and friction time until it reached a crictical value. The strength of the joint settled at a lower value, compared with that of the base metal, in the case of increasing friction time, caused by the formation of an intermediate phase (intermetallic compound, oxides). The microstructure of 5052 alloy was greatly deformed near the weld interface, and underwent dynamic recrystallisation owing to frictional heat and deformation resulting from the friction welding process. Therefore, a very fine and equiaxed grain structure was observed near the interface. Elongated grains were observed outside the dynamic recrystallisation region at the peripheral part, while the A36 steel side was not deformed. The hardness of the near interface was slightly softer than that of the 5052 alloy base metal, and maximum softened width was ~8 mm from the interface. In the present work, the conditions of friction time t ₁ = 0.5 s and upset pressure P ₂ = 137.5 MPa gave maximum joint strength of 202 MPa when the friction pressure, upset time and rotation speed were fixed at 70 MPa, 5 s and 2000 rev min^-1, respectively, and these were the optimum friction welding conditions for the aluminium alloy 5052-A36 steel joint.     

Investigation on preparation and mechanical properties of W–Cu–Zn alloy with low W–W contiguity and high ductility

In order to improve the mechanical properties of the W–Cu alloy, the W–Cu–Zn alloys with low W–W contiguity were fabricated by three different preparation methods. For the first method, the mixed powder of copper-coated tungsten powder and Zn powder was sintered by SPS (Spark Plasma Sintering) process. For the second method, the mixed powder was processed by CIP (Cold Isostatic Pressing) before SPS. For the third method, a skeleton of the copper-coated tungsten powder was prepared by CIP, and then the skeleton was infiltrated with H70 brass. The microstructure, mechanical properties and failure mechanism of the prepared W–Cu–Zn alloys were investigated. The results show that the W–Cu–Zn alloy fabricated by the third method achieves a high relative density of 98.4% and a low W–W contiguity of 10%. The alloy exhibits a high dynamic compressive strength of 1000 MPa, with a high critical failure strain of 0.7. The Cu-Zn matrix of the alloy fabricated by the third method is composed of α-phase Cu–Zn alloy and Cu₃Zn particles. The homogeneous distribution of Zn in the matrix manifests good solution strengthening effect and the uniformly distributed Cu₃Zn particles has a strong precipitation strengthening effect, which are both responsible for the evidently enhanced mechanical properties.     

Effect of integrated extrusion–equal channel angular pressing temperature on microstructural characteristics of low carbon steel

Abstract

In the present research, a combined forward extrusion–equal channel angular pressing was developed and executed for the deformation of a plain carbon steel. In this method, two different deformation steps, including forward extrusion and equal channel angular pressing, take place successively in a single die. The deformation process was performed at different deformation start temperatures (800, 930 and 1100°C). Three-dimensional finite element simulation was used to predict the strain and temperature variations within the samples during deformation. With microstructural observations and the results of finite element simulation, the main grain refinement mechanisms were studied at different deformation temperatures. The results show that the forward extrusion–equal channel angular pressing is effective in refining the ferrite grains from an initial size of 32 μm to a final size of ～0·9 μm. The main mechanisms of grain refinement were considered to be strain assisted transformation, dynamic strain induced transformation and continuous dynamic recrystallisation, depending on the deformation temperature.     

Influence of solution treatment temperature on mechanical properties of a Fe–Ni–Cr alloy

Influence of solution treatment temperature on mechanical properties of a Fe–Ni–Cr alloy was studied in this work. The results indicate that the strength and the ductile properties are optimum after solution treatment at 1000 °C followed by conventional two-step aging, but decrease markedly with the increase of solution temperature. Microstructure analyses show that TiC phase particles in the microstructure partly dissolves into the matrix when the solution treatment temperature is higher than 1100 °C, resulting in the coarsening of austenitic grain. Flake-like M₃B₂ phase precipitates at the grain boundary in the specimens solution-treated at temperatures higher than 1050 °C and its formation induces the mechanical properties to be worse.     

Effect of temperature and reactivity of molten 55Al–Zn alloy on Co based alloy coatings

Abstract

The short service life of bearings in galvanising industry is a result of a complex set of deterioration mechanisms. This work addressed the effect of temperature and molten bath reactivity on the material of the bearings respectively. Three commercial alloys, the Co–Cr–W Stellite 6 and Co–Cr–Mo–Si Tribaloy (T400 and T800) alloy systems, were deposited by plasma transferred arc on AISI 316L plates. Coatings were evaluated for the effect of temperature exposure on hardness, microstructure and sliding abrasive wear. The reactivity with the molten 55Al–Zn alloy was assessed by immersion tests in an industrial bath. Results showed that exposure at 600°C for 168 h resulted in an increase in hardness, microstructure changes and loss of wear resistance for the Stellite 6 coatings. A superior performance to temperature was shown by Tribaloy T800 with a stable abrasive wear resistance. The three alloys exhibited a strong reactivity with the 55Al–Zn molten bath. An intermetallic layer formed on the coatings as the Al from the bath reacted with elements from the Co based alloys. This reactivity consumed the coatings, causing a reduction on thickness particularly on those processed with the T800 alloy.