ELEVATED TEMPERATURE CRACKING RESISTANCE OF TA-BEARING HIGH CHROMIUM NI-BASE FILLER METALS

Tantalum is investigated in this work as an alternative eutectic forming element to replace niobium in high chromium, Ni-base filler metals. Three experimental Ni-30Cr filler metals with additions of tantalum (Ta) and molybdenum (Mo) were studied in order to investigate eutectic constituent formation at the end of weld solidification and to determine weld metal cracking resistance. The cast pin tear test (CPTT) and the strain to-fracture (STF) test were utilized to determine solidification cracking and ductility-dip cracking (DDC) susceptibility, respectively. Differences in the morphology of the eutectic constituents were observed as a function of Ta and Mo additions. Mo appears to participate in the eutectic reaction at the end of solidification, but does not affect the solidification temperature range. The experimental filler metals showed good resistance to solidification cracking and were remarkably resistant to DDC, especially at higher levels of Ta and Mo.