A Study on the Microstructural Changes and Corrosion Behavior and Mechanical Properties in Stainless Steel Welds with Single Versus Double Stabilized Welding Wires

2026-26-0288

To be published on 01/16/2026

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Abstract
Content
This research investigates the influence of stainless-steel stabilization, using single (titanium) and double (titanium and niobium) stabilized ferritic weld wires, on the metallurgical, mechanical, and corrosion behaviors of weld seams and their heat-affected zones (HAZ). Two ferritic stainless-steel samples, one stabilized with titanium (Sample No. 1) and the other with titanium and niobium (Sample No. 2), were selected for this comparative study. The research involved comprehensive analysis, including fatigue testing of the welded joints produced by both types of wires (430LNb & 430LNbTi), correlated with detailed microstructural and mechanical characterization. Metallographic analysis via optical microscopy revealed distinct features of the HAZ and weld seam, focusing on grain size, shape, and weld geometry. Micro-hardness measurements were conducted to elucidate the mechanical properties of the weld seams. Tensile testing was performed using a Universal Testing Machine to assess the overall strength of the weldments. Furthermore, cyclic corrosion testing was employed to evaluate the corrosion behavior, particularly in the intergranular and weld seam regions. The study highlights that the primary difference in chemical composition between single and double stabilized weld wires significantly alters the weld's characteristics, notably its mechanical strength and grain size. The addition of niobium in double-stabilized wires promotes the formation of fine TiN precipitates, which act as nucleation sites, leading to a finer and more equiaxed grain structure. While single-stabilized wires tend to show larger grains, potentially compromising strength and toughness, double-stabilized wires generally demonstrate superior weld quality. Microhardness measurements often show that double stabilization provides a microhardness value closer to the base material, which is beneficial for reducing the risk of cracking and improving overall weld quality. Tensile studies confirm that double-stabilized welds show enhanced fatigue properties compared to their single-stabilized counterparts, underscoring the beneficial role of combined stabilization in achieving improved structural integrity and durability.
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Citation
Gaware, A., "A Study on the Microstructural Changes and Corrosion Behavior and Mechanical Properties in Stainless Steel Welds with Single Versus Double Stabilized Welding Wires," SAE Technical Paper 2026-26-0288, 2026, .
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
To be published on Jan 16, 2026
Product Code
2026-26-0288
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English