Materials Science Forum Submitted: 2019-09-30

ISSN: 1662-9752, Vol. 991, pp 3-9 Revised: 2019-10-16

© 2020 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland Accepted: 2019-11-07
Online: 2020-05-12

Microstructure and Impact Toughness of Flux-Cored Arc Welded

SM570-TMC Steel at Low and High Heat Input
Herry Oktadinata1,a, Winarto Winarto1,b* and Eddy S. Siradj1
1Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Dept, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok,
16424, Indonesia
aherry.oktadinata@yahoo.com, b*winarto@metal.ui.ac.id

Keywords: Flux Cored Arc Welding, SM570-TMC, Microstructure, Impact toughness, Heat input

Abstract. This work investigated microstructure and impact toughness of multi-pass flux-cored arc
welded SM570-TMC steel. A comparison was made between weldments fabricated with an average
heat input of 0.9 kJ/mm and 1.4 kJ/mm, respectively. SM570 steel plate with 16 mm nominal
thickness and 1.2 mm diameter of E81-Ni1 flux-cored wire were selected in this experiment. Multi-
pass flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) was performed using carbon dioxide shielding gas. Then the
weldments were observed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and
electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). The steel joint strength was measured via a tensile test, and
Charpy impact test was performed at three different test temperatures. The microstructure
observation exhibited the base metal mainly consists of ferrite and pearlite features, while the weld
metal contained the acicular ferrites, polygonal ferrites, and M-A constituent at both different heat
inputs. The impact toughness of base metal is superior to weld metals. The weld metals fabricated
at an average heat input of 0.9 kJ/mm have a higher low-temperature impact toughness than using
heat input of 1.4 kJ/mm. The acicular ferrites amount that significantly reduced at the higher heat
input may degrade the toughness at low temperatures.

Introduction
SM570-TMC is high strength steel used in various constructions for buildings and bridges. This
steel is developed by a thermo-mechanically controlled process (TMCP), which produces fine-
grained microstructure. Grain refinement is the mechanism to improve both the strength and
toughness of the steel, and these are essential properties required for structural applications [1].
TMCP is conducted by heating and controlling the deformation as well as cooling rate during the
hot-rolling process for improving the steel microstructure [2].
The fusion welding is essential in the joining of the SM570-TMC steel for structural application.
However, the excellent mechanical properties can be disturbed by the local heating during fusion
welding, producing poor impact toughness in the weld metal and heat-affected zone (HAZ). It is
known that fusion welding causes austenite grain coarsened and the formation of solid phases, the
weld joint has a tendency of embrittlement, and impact toughness performance substantially
decreased at fusion zone and heat-affected zone (HAZ) [2-4]. Application of the high strength steel
welded structure to cold region requires low-temperature impact toughness to satisfy the structural
integrity of the welded joint. [5-6]. Higher impact toughness can be achieved by performing a low
heat input and using filler metal containing proper nickel amount [5,7].
The selection of welding parameters such as heat input is essential for weld quality. Heat input
and chemical composition of weld metal are essential, which influence the microstructural and
mechanical properties of the welded joint [1,8-10]. The chemical composition of weld metal is
influenced by filler metal and dilution factor of the parent material. With increasing heat input,
dilution is higher, and nickel which deposited from filler metal to weld metal may decrease [11]
The effect of heat input is shown that higher heat input causes a slower cooling rate. Further, the
coarse grains develop and degrade the impact toughness. X. Yang et al. [12], who investigated
CGHAZ of HSLA steel, suggested that higher heat input may increase granular bainite and M-A
phases.

All rights reserved. No part of contents of this paper may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of Trans
Tech Publications Ltd, www.scientific.net. (#539246421-08/05/20,03:32:50)
4 Advanced Materials Science II

In this current work, impact toughness along with microstructure of SM570-TMC steel welds
using matched filler metal E81-Ni1 at low and high heat input was clarified. Impact toughness was
performed at three temperatures, started from room temperature (25 ºC), and then goes down to low
temperatures (0 and -20 ºC). It can be studied whether the weld joint of this steel can satisfy a cold
environment.

Experimental Design
Materials and Welding Conditions
The welding experiments were performed using SM570-TMC steel comprised of two plates with
the dimensions of 370 x 150 x 16 mm3. Two welded samples were constructed using flux-cored arc
welding. One was welded with an average heat input of 0.9 kJ/mm (designed as LNi1 or low heat
input), and the other was joined using average welding heat input of 1.4 kJ/mm (designed as HNi1
or high heat input). Heat input (E) is a combination of welding voltage (V), current (I), and travel
speed (s). It was calculated with the formula: E = V*I/s.
The matched flux-cored wire E81-Ni1 (AWS A5.29) with 1.2 mm diameter and shielding gas of
carbon dioxide were selected to fabricate the samples. The chemical composition of parent material
SM570-TMC, filler metal E81-Ni1 and weld metal LNi1 and HNi1 are summarized in Table 1. The
mechanical properties of SM570-TMC and E81-Ni1 are presented in Table 2. Chemical
composition and mechanical properties of parent metal SM570-TMC were measured from
experimental material, while the E81-Ni1 wire properties were as received. The chemical
composition of weld metal LNi1 and HNi1 which displayed in Table 1, are based on the test results
on the welded specimens.

Fig. 1 The experimental welded joint

Table 1 The nominal composition of parent metal SM570-TMC, filler metal E81-Ni1, weld metal
LNi1, and weld metal HNi1
Concentration of elements (wt%)
Material
C Si Mn P S Cr Ni Cu Mo Nb V Ti
SM570-TMC 0.156 0.517 1.469 0.010 0.002 0.020 0.010 0.008 - 0.048 0.005 0.013
E81-Ni1 0.04 0.25 1.30 0.012 0.010 0.03 0.92 - 0.003 - - -
LNi1 0.057 0.358 1.637 0.012 0.004 0.031 0.821 0.012 0.003 0.014 0.019 0.041
HNi1 0.052 0.316 1.520 0.013 0.005 0.030 0.814 0.011 0.002 0.012 0.021 0.036

The welded sample is presented in Fig.1. Before welding, two tabs were tack welded at both
ends of the weld joint. 60º single V-groove angle, 2 mm root gap, and 2 mm root face were
determined for joint design. Both LNi1 and HNi1 were performed at constant voltage mode,
30 volts. The number of passes required is ten passes for LNi1 and eight passes for HNi1,
respectively. It is included the back weld as the last pass was laid at the backside. After the welded
samples completed, then a non-destructive test (radiographic test) was performed.
 Materials Science Forum Vol. 991 5

Table 2 Mechanical properties of parent metal SM570-TMC and filler metal E81-Ni1
TS YS El Impact value
Material
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) (%) (J)
SM570-TMC 590 488 38 201 (at -20 °C)
E81-Ni1 605 525 27 120 (at -40 °C)

Metallographic Examination
The metallographic specimens were extracted from welded samples of LNi1 and HNi1 for
microstructural analysis. Further, the cross-section of LNi1 and HNi1 specimens was ground,
polished, and etched using 3ml HNO3 + 97ml ethanol, in order to visualize the outline of weld
metal, fusion line and HAZ. Macrostructure and microstructure were observed using optical
microscopy (OM) Leica DM1750M. Then the observation was continued by using a scanning
electron microscope (SEM) and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) Shimadzu 1720H.
Mechanical Tests
Tensile test specimens of the weld metals LNi1 and HNi1 were prepared according to the AWS
D1.1 standard. Two test specimens were extracted from each welded sample, LNi1 and HNi1. A
universal testing machine (UTM Zwick Roell, 1200kN) was used to perform the testing according
to JIS Z 2241 at room temperature (25 ºC).
Charpy impact test specimens were extracted from LNi1 and HNi1. The standard size specimens
(10 x 10 x 55 mm3) were machined following ASTM E23 with notch location determined at the
centerline of weld metal. Then the impact tests were conducted according to ISO 148-1 using Tinius
Olsen Impact Tester 542J at three different test temperatures (25, 0, and -20 ºC). The low-
temperature test specimens were achieved by immersing the specimens in the cooling box
containing methanol. Two specimens at each temperature were tested.

Results and Discussion

Microstructure Characterization
The optical micrographs and micrographs of metallographic specimens were taken at the base
metal, the HAZ, and the weld metal. Results are presented in Fig.2-3 represent the microstructure of
the base metal, HAZ, and weld metal, respectively. As shown in Fig.2, the base metal exhibits
ferrites and pearlites in which the fraction of ferrite is more significant than pearlite.

Fig. 2 Optical micrograph of parent metal SM570-TMC, 500X

6 Advanced Materials Science II

Fig. 3 Microstructure observations of LNi1 (a-c) and HNi1 (d-f), 500X

Fig.3 reveals the micrograph at both weld metal LNi1 and HNi1 consist of the acicular ferrites,
polygonal ferrites, Widmanstatten ferrite, and M-A constituent. The content of the acicular ferrites
of LNi1 is higher than HNi1. Fine acicular ferrites found in LNi1 while coarse acicular ferrites in
the HNi1. The HAZ microstructures of LNi1 and HNi1 revealed that grain growth develops at
higher heat input, whereas HNi1 has larger grains than LNi1.
For 0.9 kJ/mm heat input, weld metal mainly consists of acicular ferrites with other phases
present. For 1.4 kJ/mm heat input, weld metal contains mostly polygonal ferrites and other phases.
Polygonal ferrites morphology in the weld metal may contribute to lower toughness at low
temperatures.
The metallographic observation also was performed via SEM (Fig.4). There were voids and
microcracks found in the weld metal, which tends to increase when the higher heat input was
applied. It may affect to degrade the mechanical properties.
 Materials Science Forum Vol. 991 7

Fig. 4 SEM images of weld metal: a) LNi1, b) HNi1

The color mapping analysis results in the mid-thickness of weld metal were presented in Fig.5.
Some elements (Ni, C, O, and Si) were observed. It seems Ni dissolved into the BCC matrix instead
of forming a secondary phase.

Fig. 5 Color mapping analysis results in the mid thickness of weld zone LNi1 specimen: a) Ni
element, b) O element, c) C element, d) Si element

(a) (b)
Fig. 6 Measurement of nickel distribution: a) measuring points, b) nickel distribution result
8 Advanced Materials Science II

Point analysis by EPMA was used to measure nickel distribution in the weld metal of specimen
LNi1. The result showed that nickel content in the mid-thickness was higher than the near top and
bottom surface (Fig.6). It seems a slower cooling rate in the mid-thickness area gives more chance
nickel dissolved in the matrix via solid solution mechanism.
Mechanical Properties
Two tensile specimens for each LNi1 and HNi1 were tested, and the results are displayed in
Tabel 3. All tensile test specimens demonstrated there was no failure occurred at the welded joint.
These results confirmed that the welded joints in this experiment are satisfactory.
Table 3. The tensile strength results of the welded joint LNi1 and HNi1
TS YS El
Tensile specimen 2 2
(N/mm ) (N/mm ) (%)
LNi1-1 589 430 17.8
LNi1-2 581 395 15.1
HNi1-1 583 418 14.6
HNi1-2 579 422 16.3

Fig. 7 The toughness of base metal SM570-TMC, weld metal LNi1 and weld metal HNi1
Charpy impact toughness was measured at temperatures of 25, 0, and -20 ºC. For LNi1
specimens, the average impact toughness was 184 J at 25 ºC (room temperature), 165 J at 0 ºC and
155 J at -20 ºC. On the other hand, HNi1 specimens showed high toughness at 183 J at 25 ºC, 154 J
at 0 ºC and 146 J at -20 ºC. For comparison, the parent metal SM570 specimen exhibited impact
toughness at 258 J at 25 ºC, 262 J at 0 ºC and 201 J at -20 ºC. It seems to impact the performance of
parent metal that has no significant difference between room temperature to 0 ºC.
Fig.7 displayed the comparison of impact toughness between parent metal SM570-TMC, weld
metal LNi1, and weld metal HNi1. The parent metal is much superior to weld metals. However, the
impact toughness of LNi1 at low temperature is higher than HNi1; it may cause the LNi1 has many
acicular ferrites and fewer voids compared to HNi1.

Conclusions
1. The welding experiments of flux-cored arc welded SM570-TMC steel using filler metal E81-
Ni1 at heat input 0.9 kJ/mm (LNi1), and 1.4 kJ/mm (HNi1) was successful.
2. The metallography observation showed that the content of acicular ferrites of LNi1 is higher
than HNi1. Fine acicular ferrites found in LNi1 while coarse acicular ferrites in the HNi1.
 Materials Science Forum Vol. 991 9

Acicular ferrite in the LNi1 may contribute to the high impact toughness of LNi1 compared to
HNi1. An increase in heat input would lead to a lower value of impact toughness.
3. Nickel content in the mid-thickness of weld metal was higher than near the top and bottom
surface. It seems a slower cooling rate in the mid-thickness zone gives more chance nickel
dissolved into the matrix via solid solution mechanism. Ni dissolved into BCC matrix instead of
forming a secondary phase.

Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the DRPM, Universitas Indonesia, for the financial
support through the PIT9 Research Grant 2019 with the contract No: NKB-
0082/UN2.R3.1/HKP.05.00/2019.

References
[1] J. Hu, L.X. Du, H. Xie, J.J. Wang and C.R. Gao, Effect of welding heat input on
microstructures and toughness in simulated CGHAZ of V-N high strength steel, Materials
Science and Eng. A 577: 161-168, 2013.
[2] J. Jiang, W. Bao, Z.Y. Peng, Y.B. Fang, J. Liu, and X.H. Dai, Experimental investigation on
mechanical behaviors of TMCP high strength steel, Construction and Building Materials 200:
664-680, 2019.
[3] Z. Wang, M. Shi, S. Tang, and G. Wang, Effect of heat input and M-A constituent on
microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the heat-affected zone in low carbon
steel, Journal of Wuhan University of Technology-Mater. Sci. Ed. Vol. 32, No. 5, 2017.
[4] H. Oktadinata, Winarto and E.S. Siradj, Investigations on Impact Toughness and
Microstructure Characteristics of Gas Metal Arc Welded HY-80 Steel Plate, Materials
Science Forum Vol.964, pp. 68-79, 2019.
[5] H.S. Shin, K.T. Park, C.H. Lee, K.H. Chang, and V.N.V. Do, Low-temperature impact
toughness of structural steel welds with different welding processes, KSCE Journal of Civil
Engineering 19 (5): 1431-1437, 2015.
[6] C.H. Lee, H.S. Shin, S.T. Kang, B.C. Joo, and K.T. Park, Evaluation of the failure mode
transition in high strength TMCP steel weld by Charpy impact test, International Snow
Science Workshop, 2010.
[7] N.A. Setiyanto, H. Oktadinata, and Winarto, Effect of nickel on the microstructure, hardness
and impact toughness of SM570-TMC weld metals, MATEC Web of Conf. 269:02007, 2019.
[8] O. Popovic, R.P. Cvetkovic, L. Radovic, Z. Burzic and D. Arsic, The influence of heat input
on the toughness and fracture mechanism of surface weld metal, Procedia Structural Integrity
13: 2216-2220, 2018.
[9] M. Amraei, A. Ahola, S. Afkhami, T. Bjork, A. Heidarpour and X.L. Zhao, Effect of heat input
on the mechanical properties of butt-welded high and ultra-high-strength steels, Engineering
Structures 198: 109460, 2019.
[10] P.D. Gosavi, K.K. Sarkar, S.K. Kunthe, V.R. Pawar and B. Basu, Microstructure and
mechanical properties correlation of weld joints of a high strength naval grade steel, Procedia
Structural Integrity 14: 304-313, 2019.
[11] L. Lan, X. Kong, Z. Chang, C. Qiu, and D. Zhao, Microstructure, composition, and impact
toughness across the fusion line of high-strength bainitic steel weldments, Metallurgical and
Materials Transactions A, Vol.48A: 4140-4153, 2017.
[12] X. Yang, X. Di, X. Liu, D. Wang and C. Li, Effects of heat input on microstructure and
fracture toughness of simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone for HSLA steels, Materials
Characterization 155: 109818, 2019.