Effect of Post Weld Heat Treatment on Fusion and Heat Affected Zone Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inconel X-750 Welds

Abstract

The Inconel X-750 indicates good hot corrosion resistance, high stability and strength at high temperatures and for this reason the alloy is used in manufacturing of gas turbine hot components. The objective of this research was study the effect of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on fusion zone and heat affected zone microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel X-750 weld. After welding, samples were solutionized at 1500 0C. Various aging temperature and times were studied. The results show that aging temperature and time during PWHT can greatly affect microstructure and hardness in fusion zone and heat affected zone. As high aging temperature was used, the grain size also increased and M23C6 at the grain boundary decreased. This can result in decreased of hardness. Moreover excessive aging temperature can result in increasing MC carbide intensity in parent phase (austenite). It can also be observed that M23C6 at the grain boundary decreased due to high aging temperature. This resulted in decreasing of hardness of weld metal and heat affected zone. Experimental results showed that the aging temperature 705 0C aging time of 24 hours provided smaller grain size, suitable size and intensity of MC carbide resulting in higher hardness both in weld metal and HAZ.