Microstructure and XRD analysis of brazing joint for duplex stainless steel using a Ni–Si–B filler metal

Brazing of a nitrogen-containing duplex stainless steel was preformed using a nickel-based filler metal (Ni-4.5wt.%, Si-3.2wt.%, B). The microstructure of the brazed joint was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, electron probe microanalyzer, and layer-by-layer X-ray diffraction analysis. The results indicated that before completion of isothermal solidification, BN, Ni3B and Ni3Si precipitates formed at the interface, in the athermally solidified zone and isothermally solidified zone, respectively. After isothermal solidification, only γ-Ni phase appeared in the brazed interlayer. The appearance of hardness peak values in the athermally solidified zone and the interface most probably corresponded to the formation of Ni3B and BN, respectively.