TITLE:
Annealing Heat Treatment Effects on Steel Welds
AUTHORS:
A.V. Adedayo, S.A. Ibitoye, O.A. Oyetoyan
KEYWORDS:
Welding, Annealing, Heat treatment, Hardness, Toughness, Microstructure
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.9 No.6,
June
20,
2010
ABSTRACT: This paper reports investigations made on the annealing heat treatment effects on steel welds.
The properties of the weld investigated were hardness value and toughness. Micro examination
of the samples was also done with optical microscopy. Four (4) different grades of steel rods
(10mm) in diameter were obtained. The range of the carbon contents of the steel rods was from
0.16 wt pct C to 0.33 wt pct C. From each grade of the steel materials, grooved specimen of
about 150mm were prepared. The groves were then filled to create welds using arc welding. The
resulting welds were then subjected to annealing heat treatment. The hardness values and
toughness of the welds were determined. The microstructural analyses of the welds were carried
out as well. The results show that hardness and toughness were dependent on the carbon
content. There was also significant microstructural modification due to heat treatment.