Joint Characterization of SS 304 Processed by Microwave Radiation

Abstract

The feasibility of fabrication of 304 stainless steel through microwave energy using new technique which includes susceptor is conveyed throughout this paper work. The intersection was welded in household IFB microwave oven multimode operated at frequency of 2.45GHz and 900W. Mixture of Nickel-cobalt based fine powder with resin was placed uniting the clean surfaces and using the atmospheric conditions, samples were exposed to microwave radiation for obtaining the joint. Welded joints were analysed by tensile test, X-ray diffraction (xrd) for intermetallic compounds, Micro structural analysis, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (Fe-sem), Porosity test, Micro hardness test and surface temperature measurement. Tensile strength found 390Mpa which is about 70% of the base metal. Micro structure images showed the welded edges were fused properly & got melted on sides of the parent material and porosity found to be negligible through Fe-sem result. The average observed microhardness on weld metal area and base metal were to be 65-66 HRB and 71-72 HRB respectively. The surface temperature of weld zone area was found to be 926^oC.