Influence of thermal aging on the mechanical corrosion properties of GTAW welds of alloy N06022

The phase stability of C-22 alloy (UNS N06022) gas tungsten arc welds was studied by aging samples at 593, 649, 704, and 760°C for times up to 6,000 hours. The tensile properties and the Charpy impact toughness of these samples were measured in the as-welded condition as well as after aging. The corrosion resistance was measured using standard immersion tests in acidic ferric sulfate (ASTM G 28 A) and 2.5% hydrochloric acid solutions at the boiling point. The microstructures of weld samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Precipitate volume fraction measurements were made using optical microscopy. Degradation of the mechanical and corrosion properties of C-22 welds due to aging at all temperatures investigated was seen to occur sooner than was seen in C-22 base metal. An evaluation of the kinetics of nucleation and growth of the precipitates forming at these temperatures, however, indicated that no significant changes in TCP phase morphology would occur at temperatures below approximately 300°C.