Interfacial characteristics of electron beam welding joints of SiCp/Al composites

Abstract

The electron beam welding of SiCp/101Al composites has been carried out. The influence of welding parameters on weldability and mechanical properties of the welded joints was discussed. The welding parameters were therefore optimised under the current experimental circumstance. Results show that only weak interfacial reaction between SiC particle and liquid aluminium occurred. Minute quantity brittle Al₄C₃ compounds and single phase Si were generated in the welded joint. The interfacial reaction between SiC particles and Al matrix could be greatly suppressed by adopting appropriate technique measures such as high welding speed and low heat input. The content of Al₄C₃ can be therefore greatly decreased in the welded joint. Moreover, modification welding and electron beam scanning could further improve the appearance of weld, and the welded joint with better quality could be obtained.

Keywords:

• Aluminium metal matrix composites
• Electron beam welding
• Mechanical properties
• Interfacial microstructure
• XRD