CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION

1.0 Research Background

Over the last centuries, various joining methods have been used to join materials together.
In the last decades, improved methods have been used to join steels and cast iron which
includes fusion welding, pressure welding even brazing. Various difficulties have been
experience at the joint between this metals. Diffusion bonding have so far proven to be
the best at the joint, thus creating the need to further research this phenomenon.

1.1 Objectives
The main objectives of this project is;
1.

To conduct literature review on diffusion welding in relation to cast iron and steel

joining in order to investigate the effect of the process parameters on the Microstructure
Characteristic of the joints.
2.

To perform experiment and procedure cast iron to steel diffusional welded specimen.

3.

To conduct microstructure examination on the specimens before and after joining and

evaluate the quality of the joints.

1.2 Problem Statement

This research will to answer the problem :
1. The diffusion bonding variable of structural steel and cast steel.
2. The nature or properties of the joint between the metals.
3. The feasible application of the product of the jointing in ship building (ships hull)

1.3 Research Scope

This research focuses on :
1. The definition of the materials (cast steel and structural steels).
2. The diffusion bonding between the materials and its methodology, equipment and
variables.
3. The analysis of the product of bonding of cast steel and structural steel, this joint properties
and the nature of the joint.

1.4 Expected Outcome

The expected outcome of this research is;
1. Establish theoretically the effect of process parameters on the Microstructure Charecteristic
of diffusional welded joins in relation to cast iron and steel joining
2. Microstructure examination on diffusional welded specimen of cast iron to steel would
provide some data on the effect of process parameter on the welding characteristics and the
weldability.