Microstructure of martensite–austenite constituents in heat affected zones of high strength low alloy steel welds in relation to toughness properties

Microstructure and fracture properties relationships have been investigated in the heat affected zones (HAZs) of a high strength low alloy steel used for offshore applications. Metallographic examinations of simulated HAZ microstructures were conducted to investigate the detailed microstructure of the martensite–austenite (M–A) constituents. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, various microstructures were found for the M–A constituents. In mixed particles, retained austenite was located at the periphery of the islands. Chemical and/or mechanical effects could possibly account for the stabilisation of this austenite phase. In situ cooling experiments in the transmission electron microscope showed that stacking faults play an important role in the thermal stability of austenite. Impact properties of simulated HAZ microstructures are strongly affected by both the bainitic microstructure and M–A constituents. In particular, freshly transformed high carbon martensite was shown to be much more deleterious than retained austenite.