Investigation of WAAM-PAW Fabricated 316L Steel/Invar 36 Nb Alloys for the Development of Functionally Graded Materials

Functionally graded materials represent a promising strategy for locally optimizing component properties while reducing both economic and environmental costs. To date, no study has addressed the development of a compositional gradient between 316L stainless steel and Invar 36 using the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process, despite the strong potential of this material combination. Indeed, such a gradient would combine the very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Invar 36 with the low cost and excellent chemical resistance of 316L stainless steel. A particularly relevant application for this type of gradient is the storage of hydrogen or liquefied natural gas, where tanks are subjected to severe thermal stresses due to cryogenic operating temperatures. In addition, these structures must withstand aggressive environments and hydrogen exposure, which can induce material embrittlement, while maintaining sufficient mechanical properties to ensure structural integrity during service. Designing an optimal gradient therefore requires a detailed understanding of how mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties evolve with chemical composition. This study provides a preliminary assessment of these evolutions. The results show that the addition of 15–25 wt.% Invar 36 to 316L leads to a reduction in microhardness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), associated with the disappearance of ferritic and σ phases, while significantly enhancing ductility. At higher Invar 36 contents, microhardness increases and ductility decreases due to carbide formation. From a thermal standpoint, the CTE does not follow a linear trend: it remains high up to approximately 75 wt.% Invar 36 Nb, then decreases sharply as the ferromagnetic behavior characteristic of Invar becomes dominant. Corrosion resistance remains satisfactory for Invar 36 contents below 15 wt.%, whereas higher contents lead to reduced chemical performance due to chromium dilution. Overall, these findings establish clear criteria for selecting optimal compositions in the design of a 316L–Invar 36 compositional gradient. They provide an essential foundation for the development, via WAAM, of robust and high-performance functionally graded materials suitable for applications requiring high dimensional stability, good chemical resistance, and controlled costs.