Quantitative analysis of susceptibility to intergranular corrosion in alloy 625 joined by friction stir welding

Abstract

Alloy 625 is a Ni-based alloy used in aerospace, energy, chemical, oil and gas industries, mainly as cladding material due to its corrosion resistance, high strength and creep resistance at high temperature. In this study, microstructural evaluation and susceptibility to intergranular corrosion of base metal and friction stir welded Alloy 625 were investigated. Friction stir welded joints exhibited a lower corrosion rate and degree of sensitisation compared to the base metal. It is mainly due to grain refinement and lower cooling rate of the friction stir welding process. The stir zone of the present weld has a finer grain structure and lower density of twin boundaries than the base metal and it led to the improvement of the mechanical and corrosion properties.