Joining of duplex stainless steel and austenitic steel through microwave hybrid heating and its process optimization

Abstract

This work introduces the application of a novel joining technique, modified version of selective microwave hybrid heating (SMHH) technology, in producing dissimilar joints. The modification involves replacing the charcoal powder with graphite rods. The graphite rods were found to result in better heating than charcoal powder, regardless of the power used for fabrication. Further, in present technology, ceramic wool has been used in place of refractory bricks. This simplifies the setup and reduces processing time by eliminating the need for insulation and refractory bricks. Furthermore, the modified SMHH-based joining process is more environmentally friendly than the original SMHH method. newlineIn the present work, dissimilar joints of SS2205 and SS304 have been fabricated by SMHH based joining process in a low-cost 900-watt microwave applicator. Powdered particles of nickel and SS304 were used for filling purposes at the interface. Microwave-processed joints were evaluated through microhardness testing, uniaxial tensile testing, and microstructural examination. In addition, the effect of input parameters on the microhardness, tensile strength, and percent elongation of SS2205-SS304 joints were investigated. newline newline