Effect of Activated Flux on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 9Cr-1Mo Steel Weld Joint

Abstract

Abstract Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process is generally used to produce high quality weld joints of 9Cr-1Mo steel. However, there is limitation associated with the depth of penetration achievable in single pass autogenous welding. Specific activated flux has been developed in the present work to enhance the depth of penetration up to 6 mm in single pass by A-TIG welding. 9Cr-1Mo steel A-TIG weld joint using activated flux was made in single pass welding while the multipass TIG weld joint using modified 9Cr-1Mo filler wire was made in seven passes. The enhancement in depth of penetration during A-TIG welding process for this steel was attributed to arc constriction. The strength properties of the A-TIG weld joint was superior to that of the multipass TIG weld joint. The multipass TIG weld joint exhibited slightly improved impact toughness than the A-TIG weld joint in PWHT condition. Therefore, there was no degradation in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld joint produced by A-TIG welding process compared to that of the weld joint produced by conventional TIG welding process in plain 9Cr-1Mo steel. Keywords: 9CR-1MO steelA-TIG weldingImpact toughnessMicrostructureTensile properties Notes *Not determined.