Creep Resistance and Microstructure Evolution in P23/P91 Welds

This paper summarizes the results of investigations into heterogeneous P23/P91 welds after long-term creep exposure at temperatures of 500, 550 and 600 degrees C. Two variants of welds were studied: In Weld A, the filler material corresponded to P91 steel, while in Weld B, the chemical composition of the consumable material matched P23 steel. The creep rupture strength values of Weld A exceeded those of Weld B at all testing temperatures. Most failures in the cross-weld samples occurred in the partially decarburized zones of P23 or WM23 steel. The results of the investigations on the minor phases were in good agreement with kinetic simulations that considered a 0.1 mm fusion zone. Microstructural studies proved that carburization occurred in the P23/P91 weld fusion zones. The partial decarburization of P23 steel or WM23 was accompanied by the dissolution of M7C3 and M23C6 particles, and detailed studies revealed the precipitation of the Fe2 (W, Mo) Laves phase in decarburized areas. Thermodynamic simulations proved that the appearance of this phase in partially decarburized P23 steel or WM23 is related to a reduction in the carbon content in these areas. According to the results of creep tests, the EBSD investigations revealed a better microstructural stability of the partially decarburized P23 steel in Weld A.