Effect of pre-heating and post-weld heat treatment on structure and mechanical properties of laser beam-welded Ti2AlNb-based joints

The effect of pre-heating and post-weld heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of laser-welded joints in a Ti–23Al–23Nb-1.4V-0.8Zr-0.4Mo-0.4Si (at.%) alloy was studied. Laser beam-welding was carried out at room temperature as well as after pre-heating up to 800°С. The post-weld heat treatment comprised either air quenching from 920°С followed by aging at 800°С or only aging at 800°С. The microstructure of the fusion zone consisted of columnar β-grains after welding at room temperature and 400 °C or both the columnar and large equiaxed crystals at 600 and 800 °C. An increase in the pre-heating temperature caused the columnar β-crystals growth as well as an increase in the fusion zone and heat-affected zone widths. Meanwhile, a decrease in the Al and Ti content, as well as an increase in both the porosity and gaseous elements content (O and N) after welding at 600–800 °C were found. The microhardness of each joint obtained after welding with pre-heating temperatures up to 600 °C was lower than that of the base material. All the welded joints showed the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength levels between 1070 and 1110 MPa, which correspond to approximately 80% of the base metal level. Reasonable total elongation of the joint was achieved after welding at 400 °C (4.3%). The post-weld heat treatment involving air quenching from 920 °C with subsequent aging at 800 °C for 6 h demonstrated the best results. The heat treatment resulted in the precipitation of the O- and α 2 -phases and an increase in total elongation to 6.5%. • Ti–23Al–23Nb-1.4V-0.8Zr-0.4Mo-0.4Si alloy was laser beam-welded at 20–800 °C. • Width of the fusion and heat-affected zones increased with pre-heating temperature. • Dissolution of the O- and α 2 -phases in the weld was observed. • Reasonable ductility (A f = 4.3%) was achieved after welding at 400 °C. • Quenching from 920 °C with subsequent aging at 800 °C improved ductility further.