Study on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of S355JR/316L dissimilar welded joint prepared by gas tungsten arc welding multi-pass welding process

In this study, the joints of dissimilar materials between S355JR carbon steel and 316L stainless steel were welded by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) multi-pass welding process. Characterisations of microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviours of dissimilar joint were investigated. The experimental results reveal that the microstructure of weld metal (WM) is austenite and vermiform delta-ferrite, and they cross-distribute in the weld seam. Moreover, there is a decarburisation layer on the interface of S355JR/WM, but the detrimental phase sigma and M23C6 (chromium carbide) are not observed in the WM through X-ray diffraction. The fracture of the S355JR/316L welded joints always occurs in the S355JR heat affected zone during tensile test. Mechanical properties of the welded joints prepared by GTAW can meet the requirements of engineering application. The electrochemical corrosion test is also indicates that the corrosion resistance of WM decreases compared with the 316L base material. The corrosion products of S355JR/316L dissimilar welded joints in 3.5 wt-% NaCl aqueous solution mainly are alpha-Fe and FeOOH.