Microstructure and fatigue life of Cp-Ti/316L bimetallic joints obtained by means of explosive welding

This paper describes a study of explosively welded, commercially pure titanium-stainless steel 316L plates. Following welding, the plates were heat-treated at the temperature of 600°C for 90 minutes. Examinations of the bond structure were carried out before and after heat treatment to investigate the processes taking place during explosive welding of materials. Observations were performed using light, scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties were examined applying three-point bending tests with cyclic loads. Fractographic examination and hardness measurements were also performed. It has been found that the bonding zones are characterized by a specific microstructure, chemical composition and microhardness. The heat treatment used in the study increases the relative volume of brittle intermetallic phases, causing a reduction in fatigue strength of the joint.