Joints of dissimilar metal combinations are widely employed for
different applications requiring certain special combination of
properties as well as to save cost [1–3]. Welding dissimilar materials
is generally more challenging than welding similar ones for differences
in the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the
base metals [4–6]. Dissimilar joints between stainless steel (SS)
and carbon steel (CS) are widely used in the main steam lines of
power plants, in nuclear reactors, and in petrochemical plants.
Because of their different mechanical property and corrosion property,
the joints of stainless steel to carbon steel (SS–CS) not only
meet the requirements of the service environment but also reduce
the cost. Dissimilar metal joints are characterized by compositional
gradients and microstructural changes which produce large variations
in physical and chemical properties across the joint [7]. So
there are some problems need to be solved in this SS–CS joints.
The problem with the dissimilar metal weld made between CS
and SS is the secondary phase formation due to higher carbon content
of CS than that of SS. Carbon diffusion and subsequent formation
of harmful microstructure in the weld metal is considerable in
joining of carbon steels to stainless steels. Hence, decarburization
and grain growth take place in heat-affected zone (HAZ) of CS
affect the mechanical properties [8].