Filler Metal 16-8-2 for Structural Welds on 304H and 347H Stainless Steels for High-Temperature Service

The use of Type 16-8-2 filler metal was examined for application in structural welds on 304H and 347H stainless steels for high-temperature service applications and compared to welds with matching filler metals 308H and 347, respectively. Microstructural stability during elevated temperature exposure, weld metal impact properties, and susceptibility to stress-relief cracking were examined. It was found that the lean composition and low ferrite (~ 2 Ferrite Number [FN]) in 16-8-2 weld metal provide high resistance to intermetallic phase formation. No hot cracking was observed despite the low ferrite level. The 16-8-2 weld metals displayed superior toughness as compared to the matching filler metal welds, especially after longer elevated-temperature exposure. Experimental evidence for some martensite transformation in aged 16-8-2 weld metal upon cooling to ambient temperature was presented and explained an increase in magnetic response (as FN) after postweld heat treatment at 1300 ̊F (705 ̊C). None of the tested weld metals failed by stress-relief cracking mechanisms under the applied test conditions. The 16-8-2 filler metal welds exhibited significantly lower levels of stress relief during high-temperature exposure and significantly higher tensile strength after high-temperature hold as compared to the matching filler metal welds.