Importance of filler material chemistry for optimising weld metal mechanical properties in modified 9Cr–1Mo steel

Abstract

Although modified 9Cr–1Mo (grade 91) steel is considered weldable using conventional procedures, the attainment of optimum weld metal properties often causes concern. In the current work, plates of grade 91 were manual metal arc welded using electrodes with slightly different compositions provided by two manufacturers. Post-weld tempering was performed at 730 and 760°C for 2 and 6 h in each case. The weld fusion zones were metallographically examined in detail and hardness, tensile properties, and toughness were estimated. The results showed that the weld metal produced from one of the two electrodes was distinctly superior in terms of ductility and toughness for any given welded or heat treated condition. This was attributed to the slightly higher silicon, niobium, and chromium contents in the inferior electrode, which resulted in both retention of some high temperature ferrite and a greater degree of precipitation. In this electrode, additionally, the alloying elements were introduced through the flux coating, which produced inhomogeneities in the microstructure that degraded the mechanical properties.