Microstructural analysis of a single pass 2.25% Cr–1.0% Mo steel weld metal with different manganese contents

Weld metals of the 2.25% Cr–1.0% Mo type with 0.84%, 1.21% and 2.3% Mn produced by submerged-arc welding were analyzed in the as-welded (AW), post weld heat treatment (PWHT) and PWHT followed by step-cooling (SC) heat treatment conditions. Fracture surface analysis revealed an evolution in the mode of fracture due to Mn content variations and heat treatment conditions, the occurrence of intergranular fracture being observed in welds with 2.30% Mn that were step-cooled. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the microstructure was predominantly composed of bainite, although martensite was also observed for high Mn contents. A marked carbide precipitation was observed, preferentially at grain boundaries. This could be attributed to the SC heat treatment and associated with the embrittlement. However, the application of a de-embrittlement heat treatment to this step cooled weld metal has proved efficient, because the impact energy levels after this heat treatment surpassed those obtained in the stress relieved condition. This indicates that segregation of impurities to grain boundaries was responsible for the low impact energy levels observed after SC of weld metal containing > 0.84% Mn.