Abstract
The properties of weld metal in a specified environment should be equal to or better than those of the base metal. However, in most cases that is not the case. The main cause for the degradation of steel (austenitic or ferritic) weld joint is the formation of many regions with widely differing microstructures, which respond differently to the environment. The microstructure of a weldment depends on the chemical composition of the filler material, welding process and heat input, which controls the cooling rates in the various regions. These microstructural features deteriorate the general and localised corrosion properties of the weldment. Residual stresses add up to the service stresses and enhance the environment cracking susceptibilities of the weld joint besides increasing susceptibility to other forms of localised corrosion. The influence of microstructural variations in weld metal, sensitisation in heat-affected zone, residual stresses, etc., on general, localised and environmentally assisted cracking behaviour in austenitic stainless steels and ferritic steels are reviewed in this chapter.
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