Hydrogen embrittlement properties of heat affected zone of high strength steel in shielded metal arc welding

Corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement were investigated from an electrochemical view, with the slow strain rate test (SSRT) method with applied constant cathodic potential. Fracture surface was analyzed by SEM. Corrosion resistance and mechanical properties were increased by post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) compared to those in the as-welded condition. Elongation and time-to-fracture were decreased with shifting cathodic polarization potential to the low potential direction. On analysis of SEM fractography, the quasi-cleavage (Q.C) fracture mode was also observed with an increase of susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. At the applied cathodic potential between −770 mV and −875 mV (SCE; saturated calomel electrode), the fracture morphology was of the dimple pattern with ductile fracture, while it changed to the transgranular pattern at under −900 mV (SCE). Eventually it is suggested that an optimum cathodic protection potential range was from −770 mV to −875 mV (SCE) without regard to PWHT condition.     

阴极极化对高强度船体结构钢焊缝氢脆敏感性的影响

在恒定阴极电位下利用慢应变速率拉伸试验研究高强度船体结构钢焊缝的电化学性能和力学性能。结果表明,试样拉伸断裂主要发生在焊缝的熔合区;结构钢的阴极极化程度对抗拉强度和屈服强度的影响不大;随阴极电位负移,船体结构钢在海水中的延伸率、断裂时间和断裂应变率逐渐减小, 并且当施加阴极电位为-0.89 V（vs SCE）时各项性能最佳。同时,随着阴极电位负移,断裂方式逐渐从韧性断裂向脆性断裂发展,氢脆敏感性逐渐增加,在 -0.70 V~-0.89 V（vs SCE）之间氢脆敏系数低于5%,不发生氢脆;当电位负于-0.94 V（vs SCE）,氢脆敏感性迅速提高,当极化电位为-0.99 V （vs SCE）时氢脆系数显著增大至20%,断口开始出现解理单元细小准解理断裂特征;在负于-1.04 V（vs SCE）时,氢脆系数已高于25%,进入危险区,且断口开始出现较多解理单元粗大的准解理、解理等氢脆断裂特征;随着电位继续负移至-1.14 V（vs SCE）,断口完全出现解理组织、沿晶、穿晶结构或者两者混合的氢脆断裂特征。     

The relationship between corrosion protection and hydrogen embrittlement properties of HAZ in flux cored are welding

The cathodic protection method is being widely used in marine structural steel. However, a high tensile steel such as RE 36 steel used for marine structural steel is easily susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement due to overprotection as well as the preferential corrosion of the heat affected zone (HAZ). In this paper, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties were investigated from the electrochemical view and mechanical view in as-wedded and post-weld heat treated specimens. Fracture surface was analyzed by SEM. The corrosion resistance in post-weld heat treated at 550°C was superior to that at other post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) temperature. On the other hand, elongation was decreased with a shift to the low potential direction which may cause hydrogen embrittlement. And a quasi-cleavage (Q.C) fracture mode was also observed significantly with a potential increase to the active direction.     

阴极极化对921A钢海水中氢脆敏感性的影响

利用慢应变速率实验和电化学方法研究了921A钢在海水中不同阴极极化电位下氢脆敏感性的变化趋势,并结合三维视频和扫描电镜观察断口形貌。结果表明,随阴极极化电位的负移,921A钢的韧性降低且氢脆系数增加。在极化电位负于 -0.960 V（相对于饱和甘汞电极电位）,921A钢的氢脆系数显著增加至约20%,并出现准解理断裂特征形貌。     

Optimization of corrosion protection potential for stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 alloy in seawater

We report on the optimum corrosion protection potential range for stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 Al alloy specimens using electrochemical methods and slow strain rate testing (SSRT) in seawater. In the results of the cathodic polarization curve, the concentration polarization due to dissolved oxygen reduction reaction correspondeds to a protection potential of OCP≈ −1.55 V. However, a potential of −1.2 V in the SSRT showed little effect of atomic hydrogen evolution. Potentials less than −1.6 V are affected by atomic and molecular hydrogen. We thus concluded that the effect of atomic hydrogen predominates. Overall, the optimum corrosion protection range for SCC and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 seems to be between −0.9 V and −0.7 V.     

阴极保护电位对Q235钢氢脆敏感性和力学性能的影响

利用拉伸实验和显微硬度测试等方法研究了不同阴极保护电位对Q235钢在3.5%NaCl溶液中氢脆敏感性的影响,并用SEM对断口形貌进行分析。结果表明,随着阴极保护电位的负移,Q235钢的最大抗拉强度和屈服强度没有呈现规律性变化,但断面收缩率减小,材料发生氢脆的可能性加大。当施加电位为-1100 mV时,断口出现准解理断裂特征形貌。     

Improvement of hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking by annealing for Al-4.4Mg-0.6Mn alloy

With no annealing treatment, cathodic polarization trends in 5083F Al alloy revealed concentration polarization and activation polarization. However, the annealed specimens have lower current densities at corrosion protection potential compared to the non-annealed specimen. The results of SSRTs conducted in seawater at the applied potential range of ?1.8 V to ?0.5 V indicated that the maximum tensile strength, elongation, and time-to-fracture had high values at applied potentials of ?0.7 to ?1.4 V. The maximum tensile strength, elongation, and time-to-fracture decreased when the potential values were beyond this range in either anodic or cathodic direction. In general, the increased shear lip caused by annealing treatment indicates elongation. Time-to-fracture would likely increase with elongation. Potentials between ?0.5 V to ?0.6 V were found to be in the region of stress corrosion cracking. The corrosion protection zone was determined to be ?0.7 V to ?1.4 V because these potential ranges produced good mechanical properties. Potential less than ?1.4 V produced a fractured surface with a mixture of dimples (ductile fractures) and a quasi-cleavage pattern resulting from the effects of hydrogen gas.     

Embrittlement of a Duplex Stainless Steel in Acidic Environment Under Applied Cathodic Potentials

Hydrogen-induced degradation of mechanical properties of a duplex stainless steel in 0.1N H₂SO₄ solution has been studied under in situ cathodic charging conditions. Significant reductions in percentage of elongation, toughness, and time to failure were noticed due to the ingress of hydrogen into the material at various applied cathodic potentials in the range of −200 to −800 mV (SCE). Cleavage fractures were identified mainly in the ferritic phases. Crack growth was observed to be inhibited by the austenite phase. However, depending on the severity of the environment, both the ferrite and austenite phases could be embrittled. At less negative potentials, presence of surface film and low hydrogen fugacity seemed to control hydrogen ingress in the metal. Addition of thiosulfate to the acidic solution further degraded the mechanical properties of the steel at the applied cathodic potential.     

Effect of applied potential on hydrogen embrittlement of weld simulated HSLA–80 steel in sea water

Abstract

Hydrogen embrittlement behaviour of an HSLA–80 steel in the weld simulated, grain coarsened heat affected zone condition, in synthetic sea water under cathodic charging in the applied potential range of -600 to -1400 mV(SCE) has been studied using a slow strain rate technique. Loss of ductility, as reflected in the percentage elongation and percentage reduction in area values, was substantial at and beyond -800 mV(SCE). The material in the weld simulated condition showed more susceptibility than the as received material, which is considered to be a result of increased strength and a bainitic–martensitic microstructure. Fracture showed both microvoid coalescence and quasi-cleavage features and was indicative of hydrogen induced void nucleation. Both hardening and softening effects on hydrogen charging were experienced.     

Effect of post-weld heat treatment on joint properties of friction welded joint between brass and low carbon steel

Abstract

This paper describes the effect of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on joint properties of copper–zinc alloy (brass) and low carbon steel friction welded joints. The as-welded joint obtained 100% joint efficiency and the brass base metal fracture without cracking at the weld interface, and had no intermetallic compound layer. The joint efficiency with PWHT decreased with increasing heating temperature and its holding time, and its scatter increased with those increasing parameters. When the joint was heat treated at 823 K for 360 ks, it did not achieve 100% joint efficiency and fractured between the weld interface and the brass base metal although it had no intermetallic compound. The cracking at the peripheral portion of the weld interface was generated through PWHT. The cracking was due to the dezincification and the embrittlement of the brass side during PWHT.     

Variation of microstructures and mechanical properties in the post-weld heat-treated HAZ of Cu containing HSLA steel welds

The present study focuses on the effect of Cu and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties in the coarse grained heat affected zone (CGHAZ) of Cu containing high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel welds. For this study, HSLA steels with and without Cu were prepared in laboratory. Mechanical properties were estimated by Vickers hardness and Charpy impact tests. As a result, despite PWHT, the Vickers hardness did not change noticeably; however, the impact toughness deteriorated significantly with increasing PWHT time. In case of Cu added steel, intergranular brittle fractures occurred after PWHT, due to the strengthening of the grain interior by precipitation of Cu particles. Additionally, the formation of a soft denuded grain boundary zone also played a significant role in lowering the fracture toughness during PWHT.     

Investigation of non-equilibrium grain boundary segregation on CGHAZ in reactor pressure vessel steel

Abstract

In order to explore the reasons for coarse grained embrittlement, post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) with different times was conducted on the coarse grained heat affected zone (CGHAZ) of A533B steel. The results reveal that the impact toughness of the CGHAZ at room temperature decreases with the prolongation of PWHT time from 0.5?to 4?h. As the PWHT time increases to 4?h, the fracture feature of the CGHAZ presents intergranular cleavage ruptures, and the impact toughness exhibits the minimum value. After PWHT for 4?h, the area of the intergranular cleavage fractures decreases, and the impact toughness gradually increases. Further research reveals that there is phosphorus grain boundary segregation in the CGHAZ. The theory of non-equilibrium grain boundary segregation (NGS) is proposed to explain the phenomenon. It is found that the PWHT time with minimum impact toughness is consistent with critical time of phosphorus NGS.     

Cracking of martensitic alloy EP-823 under controlled potential

The susceptibility of martensitic Alloy EP-823 to stress corrosion cracking was evaluated with and without an applied cathodic potential using the slow-strain-rate (SSR) testing technique. The magnitude of the applied potential was based on the corrosion potential determined by cyclic polarization. The cracking susceptibility in an acidic environment at different temperatures was expressed in terms of the true failure stress (σ_f), time to failure (TTF), and ductility parameters, including percent elongation (%El) and percent reduction in area (%RA). The data indicate that the magnitudes of σ_f, TTF, %El, and %RA were reduced due to cathodic charging. The scanning electron microscopic evaluations of the primary fracture surface of the specimens used in SSR testing revealed a combination of ductile and brittle failures. Further, the secondary cracks at the gauge section of these specimens were characterized by branching.     

Potentialabhängigkeit der Schwingungsrißkorrosion von höherfestem Dalbenstahl in Salzwässern

Potential dependence of the corrosion fatigue of high strength sheet piling steel in salt water Cathodic protection of high strength steel, grade X 65, against corrosion fatigue (25 Hz) is not effective in seawater. An influence of hydrogen is assumed because hydrogen embrittlement occurs at slow strain-rates (not a constant load) under the condition of cathodic hydrogen evolution. The potential dependency of corrosion fatigue at 5 Hz was investigated with notched and smooth electropolished tensile specimens. The notched specimens showed a slight decrease of the number of cycles to failure with decreasing potential. The polished smooth specimens displayed cathodic protection. The results of the investigation can be explained by recent publications as an participation of hydrogen embrittlement, which happens only at critical strain rates and is dependent on the amount of straining, the frequency and the surface of the specimen.     

Einfluß der Festigkeit unlegierter und niedriglegierter Stähle auf H-induzierte Korrosionserscheinungen bei zügiger plastischer Belastung

Influence of mechanical strength on hydrogen-induced corrosion effects on unalloyed and low-alloysteels subjected to slow strain rate tests Three steels were subjected to various heat treatments or cold working to produce 7 variants of strength. Specimens from these materials were tested in 9 aqueous solutions containing various acidic components by the constant strain rate technique under cathodic polarisation or free corrosion conditions. Hydrogen induced cracks were only observed after passing the maximum load. Hydrogen induced cracking and the decrease in the reduction of area (hydrogen embrittlement) show a good correlation with the mechanical properties of the materials. For less ductile materials the number of cracks decreased with increased embrittlement. The magnitude of hydrogen embrittlement depends on the concentration of undissociated acid in the test solution and is independent of pH value. O₂ can reduce the embrittlement. The effect of test solution composition decreases as the cathodic polarisation potential becomes more negative, because hydrogen will then be generated from H₂O. There is no correlation between the type of corrosion effects and the strength of the material, except in the case of highly sensitive high strength variants with R_m in excess of 1000 N/mm². Quenched and tempered low alloy steels, even at high strength levels, have significantly higher resistance to hydrogen embrittlement than significantly higher resistance to hydrogen embrittlement than unalloyed steels. The same is also ture for workhardened variants. For unalloyed steels, metallurgical cleanness seems to have a favourable influence. No hydrogen induced corrosion effects were observed in specimens tested at 907°C under free corrosion conditions.     

Study of the effect of δ phase on hydrogen embrittlement of Inconel 718 by notch tensile tests

This article describes the effect of δ phase on the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) sensitivity of Inconel 718 conducted by notch tensile tests. Notch tensile specimens were subjected to proper heat treatment to produce various precipitation morphologies of δ phase. Hydrogen was charged into the tensile specimens before tensile tests via a cathodic charging process. The loss of notch tensile strength (NTS) due to hydrogen charging has been used as a criterion to evaluate the hydrogen embrittlement sensitivity. The study suggests that δ phase has deleterious effect on NTS. Fracture origins of hydrogen-charged specimens locate near the notch surfaces. The loss of NTS caused by hydrogen charging can be greatly decreased by dissolving δ. δ-free Inconel 718 has been proposed for applications in hydrogen environments.     

pH值对海水中TMCP X80钢氢脆敏感性影响

采用氢渗透实验法、动电位极化法研究TMCP X80管线钢在不同pH值海水中的氢渗透行为,结合扫描电镜 (SEM) 观察研究显微组织及氢渗透行为对氢脆敏感性的影响。结果表明,随着海水pH值的减小,析氢电位发生正移。天然海水和酸性海水中氢扩散系数随着极化电位负移而增加;极化电流密度越大,氢扩散系数和氢浓度越大。在负于析氢电位时,显微形貌显示出明显的蚀坑和氢鼓泡,酸性海水中更严重。随着海水pH值的减小及外加阴极极化电位负移,氢扩散到材料内部的量更大;充氢电流密度增加也促进氢的扩散,X80钢氢脆敏感性增加。     

应力比对D36钢腐蚀疲劳裂纹扩展的影响

采用三点弯曲实验研究应力比R对处于不同环境下的D36钢稳定裂纹扩展区疲劳裂纹扩展速率的影响.结果表明,空气中应力比对pairs区的疲劳裂纹扩展速率影响不大,然而海水环境中,在中等△K值范围内,应力比对裂纹扩展速率影响较空气中明显,且其裂纹扩展速率随着应力比的增加而增大.这种现象产生的原因是氢脆作用随着应力比的增大显著增强.通过三电极体系在f=1 Hz,R=0.1条件下分别对试件施加-400,-600,-800,-1000和-1200 mV的电极电位.结果表明,强阴极极化 (-1200 mV) 和阳极极化 (-400 mV) 在一定△K范围内会加速裂纹扩展,综合得出该条件下腐蚀疲劳的阴极保护电位为-800 mV.而应力比为0.3和0.5时施加-800 mV的电极电位对材料的保护作用减弱.     

The corrosion inhibition of Ti-alloy (VT-9) in mixture of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-NaF by organic compounds

This investigation deals with corrosion behavior of high strength titanium alloy in concentrated sulphuric acid solution containing different concentrations (500, 1000, 1500 ppm) of fluoride ion (F⁻) using various organic compounds (MPA, L-OH, NFP) as inhibitor, potentiodynamically. The open circuit potential values noted before and after each experiment, varied appreciably. These values were negative before polarization but after completion of the experiment turned positive and remained stable over long period of time. It is observed that cathodic current density values increase with increasing cathodic potential (more negative) and fluoride ion. The values of cathodic Tafel slopes derived from the curves (∼110 − 140 mV/dec I) indicate hydrogen evolution reaction (h.e.r). The corrosion potential (E _corr) varied slightly with addition of inhibitors. The corrosion current densities (I _corr) increased with increasing fluoride ion concentration, but these values decreased appreciably when inhibitor (MPA) was used. SEM micrograph reveals reduction of pits in the presence of inhibitor (MPA). So this concludes that organic compound was used in this case acts as a good inhibitor. The article is published in the original.     

12Cr1MoVG焊接接头高温短时拉伸及可靠性评价

分别对焊态和焊后热处理(PWHT)的12Cr1MoVG钢焊接接头进行300~600℃高温短时拉伸试验,根据该试验结果可以推算出接头的持久强度。结果表明,随测试温度的升高,两种接头的高温短时拉伸强度降低,伸长率升高。断口形貌分析表明接头的断裂机制由剪切断逐渐过渡到正断。焊态接头的高温短时拉伸强度均高于PWHT态接头。510℃时,焊态及PWHT态接头的持久强度下限(σ105783)分别为61 MPa和86 MPa,均大于某电站锅炉的额定蒸气压力(30.35 MPa)。PWHT态12Cr1MoVG钢接头具有较高的持久强度,因而具有更高的服役可靠性。