Joining of aluminium based metal matrix composites: Initial study

TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 501/1994

M B D Ellis, M F Gittos and P L Threadgill

Background

Metal matrix composites have potential as structural alloys in a range of applications, for example aerospace, automotive and sporting goods. However, industrial uptake has been slow, in part because of a lack of data on appropriate joining techniques. In the present study, a series of metal matrix composites, based on aluminium alloys reinforced with particulate SiC or Al ₂O ₃, has been joined by a variety of solid state, fusion and adhesive techniques. The joints were examined metallographically and, where possible, mechanically to determine the factors which influence the ability of the materials to be joined.