Microstructure and non-equilibrium phases in electron beam-welded joints of Al-Fe-Ce and Zircaloy-4

Electron beam welding (EBW) of Zircaloy-4 and Al-Fe-Ce alloys is carried out to investigate the microstructure and non-equilibrium phases produced in the molten zone (MZ). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an energy dispersive system (EDS) attachment and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to characterize the microstructural and compositional changes and phases. Five distinct regions containing various phases are observed in the MZ. Hot cracking is observed in the region containing AlZr2 and Al2Zr3 intermetallic compounds.