Argon-Hydrogen shielding gas mixture induced a steep temperature gradient and enhanced the instantaneous cooling rate of the weld. The welds obtained by Argon-Hydrogen have finer grain structure than the Argon-Shielded welds. The reduction of laves phase segregated at the interdendritic region has lower Niobium concentration which improves the corrosion resistance of the welds. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.