Improved properties and thermal stability of a titanium-stainless steel solid-state weld with a niobium interlayer

Stainless steel (SS) and titanium alloys can be welded in the solid-state by high speed oblique impact. Here, the effect of a niobium (Nb) interlayer on weld strength and thermal stability is evaluated. Both Ti/SS and Ti/Nb/SS welds were subjected to thermal exposure ranging from 300 degrees C to 950 degrees C for 1.5 h. Thermal exposure monotonically decreases the strength and toughness of the Ti/SS pair with a dramatic falloff in strength and change in failure mode from partial pullout failure to full interfacial fracture at 600 degrees C. With the interlayer, toughness was increased versus baseline up to 700 degrees C thermal exposure and then intermetallic formation again caused falloff in properties. Guidelines for the production, properties and applications of these classes of welds are provided. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

The effect of a niobium interlayer on weld strength and thermal stability in solid-state welding of stainless steel and titanium alloy was evaluated. The interlayer was found to increase toughness of the welds. Thermal exposure decreased the strength and toughness of the welds, but the interlayer improved properties up to 700 degrees Celsius.