CTOD-R curves of the metal-clad interface of API X52 pipes cladded with an Inconel 625 alloy by welding overlay

Crack-tip opening displacement resistance curves (CTOD-R) of the substrate/cladding interface of an API 5 L X52 steel pipe internally coated with Inconel 625 applied by TIG (GTAW) welding were experimentally evaluated. A small pipe section with 168 mm of outer diameter and 22.5 mm of thickness was internally coated with a 15 mm thick layer of Inconel 625 corrosion resistant alloy. Tension test specimens were obtained from both substrate and cladding, as well as compact tension test specimens (C(T)) for the evaluation of CTOD-R curves. The fracture testing specimens were notched at the interface in RL orientation. In addition to fracture and tensile testing, microstructural characterization was conducted at the interface using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Qualitative chemical composition scanning and microhardness determination were also performed. The results indicated high fracture toughness for the substrate/cladding interface and the absence of low toughness regions at the interface of the tested samples.