Cobalt-based superalloy layers deposited on X38CrMoV5 steel base metal by explosion cladding process

A grade 25 cobalt-based superalloy in the form of a sheet 5 mm in thickness and a steel substrate of type X38CrMoV5 are joined by explosion cladding. The macrostructure and microstructure of the interface and of the Co-based superalloy layers are studied. The interface presents the form of wavelets with a period of 1000 μm and an amplitude of 250 μm. The superalloy grains are deformed during the cladding process with several slip systems appearing. Near to the interface, the superalloy grains elongate and tend to follow the geometry of the interface. Observation with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveals zones of localised fusion at the interface. The EDS analysis shows that these fusion zones are the result of mixing between the base and cladding plates. Radiocrystallographic analysis by X-ray diffraction reveals the presence of the f.c.c cobalt in the cobalt-based superalloy layer. Thus cobalt retains its crystallographic structure (f.c.c) after cladding process. Hardness is evaluated with reference to microstructure. Near the interface, the hardness of the superalloy is of the order of 600 HV1 kg. In the remainder of the thickness, hardness is of the order of 500 HV1 kg, being greater than that of the unplated superalloy (270 HV1 kg). The track obtained by an indentation test at the interface under a load of 100 kg exhibits no cracking. This tends to prove the good metallurgical bond at the interface.