Effect of Heat Input on Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of Duplex Stainless Steel Shielded Metal Arc Welds

Abstract

In the present work, UNS S32750 super duplex stainless steel sheets were welded by shielded metal arc welding process with E2595 electrode using two different heat inputs, 0.54 and 1.10 kJ/mm. Microstructural investigations (optical and scanning electron microscopy) showed very small differences in the heat affected zone for both the heat inputs. The weld metals showed presence of three different morphologies of austenite Widmanstatten, intra-granular and grain boundary austenite along with ferrite. Ferrite content in the weld region was also nearly same and did not change significantly with the increase in heat input. Both the weldments showed similar mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, impact strength and hardness) and failed in a ductile manner. Electrochemical studies in 3.5% NaCl solution showed the degree of sensitization to less than 1% and nearly same pitting potential for both heat inputs. Since the effect of heat input on the weld behavior was negligible, low heat input may be preffered for welding UNS S32750 super duplex stainless steel. 2018, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM.