The Influence of the Post-Weld Heat Treatment on the Microstructure of Inconel 625/Carbon Steel Bimetal Joint Obtained by Explosive Welding

Inconel 625 and steel P355NH were bonded by explosive welding in this study. Explosively welded bimetal clad-plate was subjected to the two separated post-weld heat treatment processes: stress relief annealing (at 620 degrees C for 90 min) and normalizing (at 910 degrees C for 30 min). Effect of heat treatments on the microstructure of the joint has been evaluated using light and scanning electron microscopy, EDS analysis techniques, and microhardness tests, respectively. It has been stated that stress relief annealing leads to partial recrystallization of steel P355NH microstructure in the joint zone. At the same time, normalizing caused not only the recrystallization of both materials, but also the formation of a diffusion zone and precipitates in Inconel 625. The precipitates in Inconel 625 have been identified as two types of carbides: chromium-rich M23C6 and molybdenum-rich M6C. It has been reported that diffusion of alloying elements into steel P355NH takes place along grain boundaries with additional formation of voids. Scanning transmission electron microscope observation of the grain microstructure in the diffusion zone shows that this area consists of equiaxed grains (at the side of Inconel 625 alloy) and columnar grains (at the side of steel P355NH).