Current status and research trends in processing and application of titanium/steel composite plate

Titanium/steel composite plate is an advanced metal-layered composite material, which is composed of titanium or titanium alloy as the cladding material and carbon steel or stainless steel as the base material. Titanium/steel composite plate is widely used in petrochemical, electric power, salt chemical, seawater desalination, and ocean engineering since it has excellent corrosion resistance of the cladding material and the characteristics of high strength and low cost of the base material. Various methods have been adopted for manufacturing titanium/steel composite plates, including explosive bonding, explosive-rolling bonding, diffusion bonding, and hot rolling bonding. However, with the continuous expansion of the application field of titanium/steel composite plate, demands on new requirements on the material’s size, interface bonding quality, and mechanical properties are difficult to meet with the existing preparation methods and processes of titanium/steel composite plate. Thus, it is necessary to study the interface recombination mechanism and interface precipitation behavior, improve the interface bonding quality, and develop novel preparation methods. In response, this paper summarized the research and development status of titanium/steel composite plates based on different aspects such as raw materials, composite plate size, interface characteristics, and mechanical properties. The main processing methods of titanium/steel composite plate were also reviewed. The influence of surface treatment method, hot rolling temperature, transition layer metal, and heat treatment process on the interface of titanium/steel composite plate was summarized, and the application status and development trend of titanium/steel composite plate were described. Finally, the main problems and future research direction of titanium/steel composite plate were pointed out. This study aims to provide a reference for in-depth theoretical research of titanium/steel composite plate, promote its progress preparation technology, and broaden its application field.