Diffusion bonding of Ti coated Zircaloy-4 and 316-L stainless steel

Diffusion bonding of Zircaloy-4 and Type 316-L stainless steel was carried out by coating the joining surfaces with Ti to minimize the interlayer effect. Bonding heat treatments were carried out in vacuum at 1000 °C for 4 h and 1050 °C for 1 h. The microstructure of the diffusion zone was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and the phases in the diffusion zone were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. It is observed that Ti coating at the interface produced a dendritic structure in the diffusion zone formed in the Zircaloy-4. The concentration of the dendrites increases with an increase in bonding temperature.