Microstructure Characterization of Laser-Welded Nb-Microalloyed Silicon-Aluminum TRIP Steel

This work presents the results of a microstructural characterization of welds in Nb-microalloyed TRIP steel with silicon partially replaced by aluminum. Tests of laser welding of thermomechanically processed sheet samples were carried out using keyhole welding and a solid-state laser. Welding penetration tests were conducted for heat input values between 0.037 and 0.048 kJ/mm. Identification of different microstructural constituents was carried out using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in the fusion zone (FZ), heat-affected zone (HAZ), and base metal. Special focus was put on the effect of cooling conditions on the stabilization of retained austenite in different zones. The intercritical, fine-grained, and coarse-grained regions of the HAZ were identified. It was determined that enriching austenite with carbon in the intercritical HAZ stabilizes this phase at a level close to the base metal, i.e., a 15% volume fraction. Despite a high cooling rate in the FZ and HAZ, interlath retained austenite is also present in these zones. The research involved microhardness measurements and characterizing non-metallic inclusions formed in the fusion zone. A good correlation between microstructures formed in different weld regions and microhardness results was obtained.