In order to study the microstructure,alloy element distribution,mechanical properties and microhardness of the welded joint,the welding test of TP304/Q235 composite plate was carried out by electrode arc welding and submerged arc welding.The test results demonstrate that the microstructure of composite plate TP304 weld and base Q235 weld is austenite and ferrite(with widmanstatten structure)and ferrite and pearlite,respectively.The mass fraction of alloy elements(Cr and Ni)on the side of clad TP304 base metal is lower than that on the side of clad weld.With the increase of the distance from the clad base metal,the mass fraction of Cr and Ni gradually rises,showing a stepped distribution.The tensile strength of the composite plate joint is larger than that of TP304 base metal and lower than that of Q235 base metal,and the fracture occurs in the area of the base metal.In addition,the welded joint on the side of either the clad TP304 or the base Q235 presents the similar microhardness distribution,which is verified by that the microhardness values of the heat affected zone and the weld metal are higher than that of the base metal,and the peak value falls in the heat affected zone(about 265 HV for TP304 and 440 HV for Q235,respectively).To sum up,under the conditions in this study,the obtained TP304/Q235 composite steel plate features superior microstructure and properties,which ensures the joint quality.This study is supposed to provide experience for the application of stainless steel composite steel plate in chemical production,oil pipeline and so on.