Evaluation of Secondary Hardening and Microstructure in the Real T24 Steel Weld Joint

Abstract

Development of new steels with higher creep resistance must be based on detailed knowledge of strengthening and degradation processes, structural stability at high temperature exposure and their welding. This paper is concerned with the real weld joint hardness and microstructure of progressive low alloy creep resistance T24 steel. These steel is widely used in many power-plant constructions all over the Europe. Welding the T24 steels components is one of the most important technological procedures. The aim of the performed investigation is to evaluate the hardness and microstructure in the heat affected zone (HAZ) and the weld metal. Results of the secondary hardening in the real weld joints after low temperature post weld heat treatment (460°C/48h) and without post weld heat treatment at service temperature are described in this paper. Obtained results are compared to the hardness values of the weld joint post weld heat treated at recommended temperature (740°C). The microstructure of the real weld joints was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to identify minority phases - MX nanoparticles and/or coarse (M23C6) particles. Secondary hardening of the not heat treated and low temperature heat treated T24 weld joint was proved.