Effect of post heat treatment on the microstructure and microhardness of diffusion coupled gray cast iron and low carbon steel

Experimental studies carried out on the joining of grey lamellar graphite cast iron to low carbon steel by diffusion welding techniques had successfully produced a few diffusion couples, despite facing some earlier failures. Although faced with some success, analysis on the diffusion couples showed voids and incomplete bond/joint at the interface of the joints while the tensile strength value was found to be low. In furtherance, the diffusion couples were then subjected to a post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) that allowed for further diffusion process to take place to remove the voids and complete the bond/weld. The results revealed microvoids and interface lines at the interfaces of the specimens treated at temperatures of 800°C, and becoming less visible at 900°C. At an elevated temperature of 1000°C, on longer treatment times, apparently these microvoids and interface lines had disappeared, and the bond/weld at the interfaces of the diffusional welded couples seemed to be more complete. Thus, heat treatment time and temperature were found to have a strong influence on the structure, thickness and hardness of the diffusion layer produced. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.