Analysis of Bonding Interface in Explosive Bonded R-SUS304ULC/Ta/Zr Joint

Study on Bonding of Zirconium and Stainless Steel (Report 3)

Abstract

Microstructural analyses of the bonding interface in R-SUS304ULC/Ta/Zr explosive bonded joints were conducted in order to clarify the embrittlement behavior of the joint. SEM and TEM observations revealed that the wavy interface was formed at the R-SUS304ULC/Ta and Ta/Zr interfaces, and that several products existed in the vortex zone (fused zone). The intermetallic compounds such as TaFe₂, TaNi₂ and TaCr₂ were identified at the R-SUS304ULC/Ta interface, however, ω-Zr as well as Ta was precipitated in α-Zr matrix at the Ta/Zr interface. The hardened area was located in the vortex zone at R-SUS304ULC/Ta and Ta/Zr interfaces, and the severe embrittlement was occurred in the vortex zone at the Ta/Zr interface where the ω-Zr and Ta were precipitated.