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Investigation and Analysis of the Effect of TiO₂ Flux in Activated Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (A-GTAW) Welding of Inconel 738LC Nickel-Based Superalloy
Hamidreza Pooreskandari, Masoud Goodarzi, Rouholah Ashiri,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Nickel-based superalloys are among the most critical materials used in high-temperature components of gas turbines, where their replacement costs and potential turbine damage necessitate effective protection and repair strategies. Optimizing repair methods to enhance efficiency and reduce costs has therefore been a continuous focus. The aim of this study is to improve the repair process of Inconel 738LC superalloy by reducing the susceptibility to liquation cracking. Activated tungsten inert gas (A-TIG) welding was performed on Inconel 738LC using a welding current of 60 A. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) powder was employed as an activating flux, and weldments with four flux concentrations were examined. The microstructure w:::::as char:::::acterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that flux concentration had a significant influence on penetration depth, with a concentration of 1 g/mL producing the maximum effect. At this concentration, weld penetration increased by 68% and weld pool volume by 63%, while the heat-affected zone width decreased by 12%. Arc imaging and quantitative/qualitative analysis demonstrated a constricted and focused plasma arc column in the presence of TiO₂ flux. Microstructural examinations further revealed suppression of columnar dendrite growth. It was found that TiO₂ flux enhances weld penetration and pool volume by constricting the arc and activating a reversed Marangoni flow, while simultaneously reducing HAZ width. However, the increased weld pool volume also intensified contraction stresses, leading to liquation cracking in the weld with the largest pool volume.
Investigation of the effect of pulse frequency in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) of IN738LC nickel-based superalloy
R. Sahihi, S. M. A. Boutorabi, R. Ashiri,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (12-2025)
Abstract
The weldability of the superalloy Inconel 738LC is compromised by its susceptibility to heat-affected zone (HAZ) liquation cracking, a consequence of its high gamma-prime (γ') precipitate strength and the formation of low-melting-point eutectic phases. This study investigates the impact of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) current mode—comparing continuous current with pulsed current—on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and overall weldability of IN738LC. Through room-temperature tensile testing, Vickers hardness measurements, and microstructural analysis via optical and electron microscopy, it was demonstrated that pulsed current, particularly at higher frequencies, substantially mitigates liquation cracking and improves joint integrity. The pulsed technique introduces controlled thermal fluctuations that reduce the effective heat input, promoting a transition from columnar to equiaxed dendritic solidification, minimizing interdendritic segregation, and refining the distribution of MC carbides. Consequently, the weld metal exhibits enhanced tensile strength, ductility, and hardness. These findings establish pulsed GTAW as an effective strategy for suppressing cracking and improving the performance of IN738LC welded joints.

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