Structure and electrochemical behaviour of weldments of titanium Grade 1 in a bromine-containing solution

Abstract

Purpose: The presented research aims to determine the microstructural changes in weldments of commercially pure titanium Grade 1 after welding by hollow cathode arc discharge in vacuum and related changes in the corrosion behaviour of the weldments. Design/methodology/approach: Macro and microstructure of weldments were studied using optical microscopy. Corrosion behaviour of untreated Grade 1 and heat-affected zone of weldments of Grade 1 was investigated using electrochemical testing, including open circuit potential measurements and potentiodynamic polarisation. As an aggressive environment, 1 M KBr water solution was used. Findings: Welding by hollow cathode arc discharge in vacuum leads to the formation of a coarse Widmanstätten structure in the heat-affected zone. This imperfect structure results in a passive layer with worsened protective properties, thus increasing the corrosion rate of weldments by up to two orders of magnitude compared to Grade 1 in as-received condition. The passive layer on the welded surfaces did not allow Grade 1 to acquire a stable corrosion potential during potenitodynamic polarization. Research limitations/implications: Titanium and its alloys are passivating metallic materials, and their corrosion resistance depends on the properties of a thin protective surface layer. Changes in the underlying metal microstructure can affect the passivation behaviour of titanium and the properties of this layer. Welding by hollow cathode arc discharge in vacuum alters the microstructure of heat-affected zone, thereby causing Widmanstätten microstructure to form. As the passive layer over that microstructure has worsened protective properties, we suggest additional heat treatment after welding to be applied. Future experimental research on this topic is needed. Originality/value: Welding by hollow cathode arc discharge in vacuum is a welding method allowing weldments to be done in a clean environment and even in space. In the specialised literature, information on the structure and corrosion resistance of weldments of commercially pure titanium Grade 1 welded by hollow cathode arc discharge in vacuum is missing. The present research fills in a tiny part of this gap in our knowledge.