Comparison of Friction Stir and Gas Tungsten Arc Weldments of Modified 12 wt.% Cr Ferritic Stainless Steel

This paper presents the comparative evaluation of microstructural features and mechanical properties of a friction stir welded (solid-state) and gas tungsten arc welded (fusion weld) 409 M grade ferritic stainless steel joints. Optical microscopy, microhardness, transverse tensile and impact tests were performed. The coarser ferrite grains in the base material are changed to very fine grains consisting of a duplex structure of ferrite and martensite due to the rapid cooling rate and high strain induced by severe plastic deformation caused by frictional stirring. On the other hand, grain growth was observed in the fusion zone as well as heat affected zone of the gas tungsten arc welded joint resulting in deterioration of mechanical properties.