Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Electroslag Strip and Explosively Clad Low Alloy Steel: Stainless Steel Joints

The surface properties such as wear, corrosion, oxidation resistance etc., can be improved by using suitable cladding technique. The most commonly used cladding material is stainless steel for cladding on carbon and low alloy steel base materials. Mechanical properties are considered important for satisfactory performance of clad joints used in several defence applications. In this work, cladding of a high strength low alloy steel with stainless steel was carried out using explosive cladding and electroslag strip cladding processes. The relationship between mechanical properties and microstructure of clad materials was evaluated. The bond interface in explosively clad material shows a wavy interface compared to strip clad interface. Electron probe microanalysis revealed that inter-diffusion of elements was significant in strip clad joints and insignificant in explosively clad joints. Shear strength, notch tensile strength and impact toughness of explosive clad joints are much superior compared to those in strip clad joints.