Development and Characterization of Cladding AISI 304L Stainless Steel on Aluminum

The cladding process is a cost-effective solution to improve surface properties and obtain additional functionalities. The current paper focuses on the cladding of austenitic 304L stainless steel on aluminum substrate (SS/Al) by diffusion bonding, particularly relevant in the kitchenware field for safety issues. The study investigates the bonding characteristics and the deep drawing formability of the clad material, aiming to improve the understanding of its performance. The main results show a defect-free interface, as observed through microstructural analyzes. This highlights the ability of this process to create a good bond. The SEM/EDS results confirmed the absence of a diffusion layer. Microhardness and adhesion tests revealed non-uniform hardness values and moderate strength values across the interface. Numerical simulation showed the feasibility of deep drawing the SS/Al clad material without failure, proving its suitability in cookware manufacturing. These findings demonstrate the workability of diffusion bonding and suggest the potential for improving mechanical properties.