Fine structure in the inter-critical heat-affected zone of HQ130 super-high strength steel

The microstructure in the intercritical heat-affected zone (ICHAZ) of HQ130 steel, has been investigated by thermo-simulation test, SEM and TEM. The problem of toughness decrease in the ICHAZ (T _p = 800°C) as well as the effect of M-A constituent and carbide precipitation on brittleness was analysed. The test results indicated that the microstructure in the ICHAZ of HQ130 steel was mostly a mixture of lath martensite (ML) and granular bainite (Bg) with a fine but nonuniform grain structure. The cause of brittleness in the ICHAZ was related to production of the M-A constituent in the local region and carbide precipitation. By controlling the welding heat input carbide precipitation and the formation of the M-A constituent can be avoided or decreased.