Corrosion Behaviour of Electron Beam Welded Joints of AF1410 Steel

As for electron beam welded joints of AF1410 steel, the microstructural features within weld zone, heat affected zone and base metal were studied, and their corresponding electrochemical properties were tested. In addition, the corrosion behavior of AF1410 joints in 3.5% NaCl solution was examined. The results show that the microstructural features and electrochemical properties within the three zones exhibit a significant difference. The lowest self-corrosion potential was observed within heat affected zone while the highest within base metal. The heat affected zone of the electron beam welded joints without heat treatment is most likely to be corroded. The corrosion initiates from the heat affected zone and then extends to the weld zone and the base metal near fusion line. Appropriate heat treatment can improve the corrosion resistance of the electron beam welded joints of AF1410 steel.