The paper presents results obtained during evaluation of dissimilar weld joints of creep-resistant steels. During high temperature exposure of dissimilar weld joints, alloying elements were redistributed across the weld interface. These diffusion effects can cause local changes of microstructure and have a direct effect on local mechanical properties in weld interface area. Carbon and nitrogen have the strongest influence on changes of mechanical properties of steels. . These local changes of mechanical properties have a strong influence on the reliability and the service live of the whole welded structures. The dissimilar joints of the austenitic steel/martenzitic steel type was studied. Laboratory weld joints were prepared and annealed at different temperatures for different time periods. Microhardness profiles across the weld interface were measured and the influence of long-term, high temperature exposure on the changes of local microhardness was evaluated. Results were compared with pseudo-binary phase diagrams and with the literature.

The weldability of advanced heat resistant ODS metallic materials in combination with conventional materials is a prior requirement for their wider use in energy production. The microstructure of ODS steels is composed of alpha iron based matrix with dispersed oxide particles. Due to heating during conventional welding, the microstructure and properties of the resulting weld joints are affected and the joints often become the weakest point of the structure. The electron beam welding with its reduced heat affected zone size may be an answer in this. The presented article is focused on thorough metallographic evaluation of the structure of heterogeneous electron beam welds which combine stabilized austenitic stainless steel with the MA956 ferritic ODS steel. EB welded joints were evaluated by light and analytical electron microscopy including EDS and phase EBSD analyses in the as-welded state and after post-weld heat treatment. Mechanical properties of the weld were evaluated from the results of micro hardness profiles. Achieving an appropriate structure of such welds and correct welding parameters are crucial aspects for future successful application of similar joints in energy industry