Study on non-metallic inclusions in laser-welded trip-aided Nb-microalloyed steel

Abstract

The work concerns the studies on non-metallic inclusions occuring in laser-welded Si-Al TRIP steel containing Nb and Ti microadditions. Laser welding tests of 2 mm thick thermomechanically rolled sheets were carried out using keyhole welding and a solid-state laser. The results of laser welding in the air atmosphere for the heat input value of 0.048 kJ/mm are included. The distribution, type and chemical composition of non-metallic inclusions formed in the base metal, heat-affected zone, and fusion zone are analysed in detail. It was found that the base metal contains rare, fine oxysulphides. Their chemical composition was modified by rare earth elements. Numerous oxide inclusions of a various size and a chemical composition occur in the fusion zone. The dependence between a size of particles and their chemical composition was observed. A microstructure of steel was assessed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques.