GTAW of 12% supermartensitic stainless steel using 625 nickel alloy as filler metal

Abstract

Supermartensitic steels represent a new sub-class of martensitic stainless steels with higher toughness and corrosion resistance than conventional grades. These properties were improved by the drastic reduction of carbon content, and the addition of nickel and molybdenum. These chemical composition changes also increased the weldability of these steels, since the soft and ductile martensite formed is not susceptible to cold cracking during welding. However, post weld heat treatment may be necessary for uses in sour, aggressive and embrittlement environments. This work investigates the mechanical properties of a weld produced by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) of a pipe of 12%Cr supermartensitic stainless steel with 625 nickel alloy as filler metal. The response of the weld metal to post weld heat treatments at 650oC was also evaluated.