Division of character zones and elements distribution of Fe 3 Al/Cr–Ni alloy fusion bonded joint

A Fe₃Al/Cr–Ni alloy fusion bonded joint was divided into four character zones of a homogeneous mixture zone, a partial mixture zone, a partially fused zone and a heat affected zone. The microstructures, elements distribution and phase constitutions of the various character zones were analysed via metalloscope, SEM, electron probe microanalysis and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the microstructures were dissimilar in the different character zones. A 0·04–0·05 mm austenite rich band existed in the partial mixture zone. The diffusion of Fe, Al, Cr, Ni and C mainly occurred in fusion zone where Cr and Ni diffused into Fe₃Al to substitute some Fe on α₁, α₂, and β sublattices to form substitutional solid solution. The phase constitutions of Fe₃Al/Cr–Ni joint were Fe₃Al, γ-Fe, FeAl, NiAl, an unidentified Fe–C compound and an Fe–Cr–C compound (Cr₉Fe)₇C₃.