Microwave joining of SS-430 with a nano SS-316L powder

Abstract

Abstract In this study, a hybrid microwave heating (MH) approach was employed to fabricate SS-430 to SS-430 joints using a nano-based SS-316L powder as a binding agent. The microstructural aspects of the developed fusion zone (FZ) revealed the perfect diffusion bonding between the faying surfaces through the fully melting of the filler material. The formation of martensite was observed at the diffused zone/heat-affected zone along both interfacing surfaces of the SS-430 base metals to be butt welded. The phase analysis of the developed reaction layer in the FZ showed the presence of small amounts of carbide particles (mainly chromium carbides) along with the presence of the main Ni-Fe-Cr enriched solid solution matrix. The hardness of the diffused zone/heat-affected zone is significantly high (760 ± 15HV) due to the presence of martensite followed by FZ hardness (410 ± 8HV) and then followed by base metal hardness (190 ± 4HV). The tensile properties of the fabricated weldment were evaluated by employing a computer-controlled universal testing machine. The tested weldment exhibits 475 MPa with an elongation of about 35%.