Effects of post-weld heat treatment on dissimilar metal joint between aluminum alloy and stainless steel

► Al alloy was joined to stainless steel with Zn-15Al flux-cored filler wire. ► Effects of post-weld heat treatment on joint performance were investigated. ► The distribution of Zn-rich phases in the weld changed with PWHT conditions. ► Fine Zn-rich phases uniformly distributed in the weld enhanced the joint strength. ► Fractured surfaces of the specimens after tensile testing were examined.