An investigation into the inhomogeneity of the microstructure and mechanical properties of explosive welded H62-brass/Q235B-steel clad plates

Owing to excellent corrosion resistance, antifriction property, and economic efficiency, H62/Q235B explosive clad plates have been widely used in various fields. Therefore, detailed and systematic study into the microstructure and mechanical properties of this clad material is necessary. In this paper, the composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of H62/Q235B explosive clad plates were analyzed by optical metallographic observation, mechanical tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis. The results showed that the bonding interface of this clad plate was periodical wavy, and the interface was bonded in two ways, one through wide transition layer with a width up to 280 μm while the other by narrow transition layer with a width less than 20 μm. The major structural components in the transition layer were supersaturated solid solutions. The microhardness of the transition layer was higher than that of base metals, and the microhardness of the base plates in the region near the bonding interface was affected by both force and heat. The shear strength of the H62/Q235B clad plate showed an obvious characteristic of anisotropy. Furthermore, the clad plate tended to crack along the transition layer when it was stretched because of the discontinuity of plastic deformation across H62/Q235B interface.