Role of Ti and Cr on Microstructure and Hydrogen Embrittlement of Welded Joint of Low-Alloy Steel Used for Armor Layer

Welded joints suffer from hydrogen embrittlement (HE) owing to the internal stress generated during welding. Alloying elements play a vital role in the metallurgical behavior of welded joints. In this study, the influence of chromium (Cr) and titanium (Ti) on the HE behavior of welded joints in low-alloy steel was investigated by examining the microstructural morphology, grain characteristics, precipitate particles, engineering stress–strain curves, and fracture modes. The experimental results indicated that, compared with the addition of Cr, the addition of Ti promoted the formation of acicular ferrite in the lower fusion zone (FZ) via Ti-bearing oxides, and refined the grains of the FZ. The strength and elongation of the Ti joint were superior to those of the Cr joint in both air- and hydrogen-containing environments. Furthermore, compared with the addition of Cr, the addition of Ti improved the HE sensitivity. The fracture modes of both the Cr and Ti welded joints changed from ductile to brittle when the prepared joints were exposed to an H-containing environment.