Effect of Si, Mn and Al on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ADI weld metal

The effects of Si, Mn and Al on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ADI weld have been studied. The microstructure of ADI weld metal mainly consists of bainitic ferrite and retained austenite. Mechanical properties of ADI weld increase with increasing Si content, but an excess of Si(3.79%) results in decreasing the austemperability owing to decreasing the carbon content of the matrix austenite. Mn increases the retained austenite volume fraction, but the ductility and impact toughness of weld obviously decrease with increasing Mn content because of increased amount of martenite and twin martenite. In the range of 0.13%similar to0.64%Al, increasing Al content favours improving the mechanical properties of ADI weld. Therefore, it is very important to select suitable Si, Mn and Al contents to improve mechanical properties of ADI weld.