Effect of microstructure of joint area on mechanical properties of explosively welded carbon steel and zirconium sheets

The paper analyzes the changes of microstructure, chemical and phase composition taking place in the joint area of explosively welded carbon steel with zirconium sheets and their effect on the strength of such connection. The performed analysis showed that the ‘dynamic’ changes of temperature accompanying such processes are of key importance. The explosive welding process leads to a local melting of the metal sheets, which next allows crystallization of brittle phases. Presence of the latter affects the mechanical properties of the final clad. Extremely high cooling rates in the joining area favour, the formation of metastable phases. It was observed that, in order to obtain joint of high strength, a presence of thin continuous re-melted layer between the joined metal sheets is necessary. This layer, of mixed amorphous and nano-crystalline microstructure, of tens of nanometers thick, enables formation of a ‘good weld’ between the joined metal sheets. Słowa kluczowe: spajanie wybuchowe, platery stal węglowa/cyrkon, strefa przetopień, mikrostruktura, transmisyjna mikroskopia elektronowa