Formation of dendritic structure in the diffusion zone of the bonded Zircaloy-4 and stainless steel 316L in the presence of Ti interlayer

Microstructure of the diffusion bonded samples of stainless steel 316L and Zircaloy-4 in the presence of Ti interlayer at 1000 °C and 1050 °C is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the phases in the diffusion zone (DZ) have been analyzed by energy dispersive system (EDS) attached with SEM. Five distinct regions have been observed in the sample bonded at 1000 °C due to the diffusion of various elements from both stainless steel and Zircaloy-4. Local melting and formation of dendritic structure occurred in the sample bonded at 1050 °C. Dendritic structure is achieved, which hinders cracking during solidification in the DZ.