Comparative experimental investigations on novel joining technology based on microwave energy to produce SS2205-SS2205 joints

Abstract

In this work, a novel joining technology has been developed by significantly modifying the existing older joining technology. Both methods have been based on using microwave energy. Metallic joints of SS2205-SS2205 have been developed by using the novel as well as old technology. In previous technology, formation of joints has been largely affected by the use of charcoal powder (susceptor), graphite sheet (separator) and filler powder (interface) for producing the joints. On the other hand, in the newly proposed method, the joints have been fabricated without using any charcoal powder, graphite sheet or filler powder. Graphite rods have been used instead of charcoal powder thereby improving speed and cleanliness of the process. Further, absence of charcoal powder has helped in getting rid of the charcoal feeder as well as the separator sheet; thereby ensuring an easier assembly set-up and reduced set-up time. Finally, filler powder has not been used in proposed method, thereby drastically reducing the material cost. Joints’ microstructure and mechanical properties have been characterized. Newly proposed method-based joints have been observed to possess better hardness, tensile strength and ductility due to better microstructural composition despite lower carbon content. Hardness, tensile strength and percentage elongation have also been observed to be better than previous results by 8%, 16.67% and 17.85%, respectively.