Creep deformation and fracture behaviour of a nitrogen-bearing type 316 stainless steel weld metal

Creep properties of a nuclear grade type 316 stainless steel (SS) weld metal containing ~0.08 wt% of nitrogen were studied at 873 and 923 K. These properties were compared with those of a type 316 SS weld metal without nitrogen. In general, the nitrogen-bearing weld metal exhibited better creep and rupture properties. The rupture strengths of the nitrogen-containing weld metal was ~40% higher than that for the type 316 SS weld metal at both the temperatures. The steady-state (minimum) creep rates were up to two orders of magnitude lower for the nitrogen-containing weld metal compared to 316 SS weld metal. Rupture ductility of nitrogen-containing weld metal was lower at all the test conditions; the long-term ductility at 923 K was below 5%. The differences in creep behaviour of the two weld metals are discussed with respect to the influence of nitrogen on microstructural evolution in the two weld metals