Microstructure and fracture morphology in the welding zone of T91 heat-resisting steel used in power station

Microstructure performance in the welding zone of T91 heat-resistant steel under the condition of TIG welding was researched by means of metallography, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Experimental results indicated that microstructure of T91 weld metal was austenite + a little amount of 6 ferrite when using TGS-9cb filler wire. Substructure inside the austenite grain was crypto-crystal lath martensite, on which some Cr23C6 blocky carbides were distributed. The maximum hardness (HRC44) in the welding zone is near the fusion zone. There existed no obvious softening zone in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). For T91 steel tube of diameter 63 mm x 5 mm, when increasing welding heat input (E) from 4.8 kJ/cm to 12.5 kJ/cm, fracture morphology in the fusion zone and the HAZ changed from dimple fracture into quasi-cleavage fracture (QC). Controlling the welding heat input of about 9.8 kJ/cm is suitable in the welding of T91 heat-resistant steel.