JOINING OF ALUMINUM-BASED METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are becoming more popular as structural materials, and joining them is, therefore, of paramount importance. A s these new materials become available, it is necessary to define and optimise joining techniques, and a thorough understanding of each proc ess is required. A number of joining processes have been addressed, na mely: fusion welding (tungsten and metal inert gas welding, electron a nd laser beam welding, resistance, capacitor discharge, and plasma wel ding), solid state bonding (diffusion bonding, friction-and ,I magneti cally impelled are butt welding), brazing, and adhesive bonding. The a dvantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed with respe ct to weld-parent material microstructure and the mechanical propertie s of the bond. Recommendations are subsequently made as to the most ap propriate method for bonding aluminium based MMCs.