Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of briefly heat-treated SAF 2507 super duplex stainless steel welds

The effects of brief post-weld heat treatment at different temperatures on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of SAF 2507 super duplex stainless steel welds were investigated. The results showed that the weld zones were high in hardness and low in toughness due to their far deviation from the equilibrium state. After brief post-weld heat treatment, the austenite volume fraction in the weld zones was elevated significantly. The highest impact toughness of SAF 2507 super duplex stainless steel welds was achieved when the specimens were briefly heat-treated at 1080 °C.