Influences of Short-Time High-Temperature PWHT on Microstructure and Phase of 316L Stainless Steel Welding Seam
摘要
In this study, the arc welding seam of the 316L stainless steel pipe was annealed at 1000, 1100 and 1200 °C for only a few minutes, and the evolutions in microstructure, phase, microhardness and magnetic induction intensity of the heat treated specimens were characterized and analyzed. The results reveal that there is netlike residual δ-ferrite in the welding seam. Transformation of the residual δ-ferrite occurs at 1000 °C, but not very significant. At 1100 °C, half of the δ-ferrite can be eliminated after 4 min, and the δ-ferrite can be completely eliminated after annealed at 1200 °C for 3~4 min. The annealing temperature rather than time is the dominate factor for transformation of the δ-ferrite. Meanwhile, the solidification segregation and dendrites in the welding seam can be eliminated at both the three temperature. Due to the short annealing time and the water quench after the annealing, the microhardness of the welding seam can be maintained. Based on the results, a short-time local post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is proposed to replace the long-time (0.5~2 h) PWHT, which can thoroughly eliminate the δ-ferrite and meanwhile avoid to significant decrease in mechanical properties.