Interface characteristics and properties of hot roll bonded 2205 stainless steel/AH36 shipbuilding steel clad plate

This study investigated the interface characteristics and properties of hot roll bonded 2205 stainless steel/AH36 shipbuilding steel clad plate (2205/AH36 CP). The microstructure, element diffusion, and mechanical properties at the interface were characterised using SEM/EBSD, TEM, EDS analysis and in-situ nano-indentation tests. Results indicate a well-bonded interface with no microcracks or pores, confirming metallurgical bonding. The interface exhibited a transition zone with element diffusion, leading to the formation of a decarburising layer in AH36 and a carburising layer in 2205 steel. Nano-indentation tests revealed a hardness peak at the interface due to the formation of M23C6 phase. TEM observations confirmed the gradual transitional characteristic of the interface microstructure. Tensile tests in conjunction with digital image correlation (DIC) analysis demonstrated the ductility of the clad plate and the uniform distribution of strain, with no detected interface cracking.