Microstructure and mechanical properties of nanostructured bainite weld with regeneration

Because of the brittle martensite crystalline structure, nanostructured bainitic steel is very difficult to be welded and easily form cracks in the welded joint, which limits the scope of their application. Regeneration treatment can lead to nanostructured bainite formation in the welded joints, preventing further degradation of the welded joint. Detailed changes of microstructures and mechanical properties of the weld are characterized here. Coarse inter-dendrite structures appear in the weld due to welding segregation, and are confirmed to be retained austenite by TEM. Moreover, an extraordinary combination of strength and ductility of the weld is achieved. The ultimate tensile strengths are 1913MPa and 2115MPa when regeneration temperatures are 250 °C and 230 °C. The corresponding elongations are 5.14% and 2.3%. In addition, the tension fracture behaviour and crack propagation mode of the weld are investigated.