CONTROL OF NITROGEN CONTENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF HAZ

The variation of HAZ toughness with nitrogen content and weld cooling rate was investigated and interpreted in terms of both microstructure and the amount of free nitrogen. The presence of free nitrogen in HAZ was investigated by internal friction measurement and its amount was measured by hydrogen hot extraction analysis. Both nitrogen content and weld cooling rate influenced HAZ microstructure and high toughness was obtained at a mixed microstructure of acicular ferrite, feffite sideplate and polygonal ferrite. If nitrogen content is too low or cooling rate is too fast, bainitic microstructure is obtained and toughness is low. On the other hand, if nitrogen content is too high or cooling rate is too slow, coarse polygonal ferritic microstructure is obtained and toughness is deteriorated again. ill addition to the microstructural change, high nitrogen content also resulted in a large amount of free nitrogen. Therefore, nitrogen content should be kept as low as possible even if the mixed micostructure is obtained. In this experimental condition, the maximum toughness was obtained at 0.006% nitrogen content when weld cooling time ($\Delta$t$_{8}$5/)) is 60s.TEX>5/)) is 60s.