| Abstract | This work investigated the weldability of AA1100-16B 4C (vol.-%) metal matrix composite using laser welding and friction stir welding (FSW). The microstructure and mechanical properties of joints produced by two welding techniques were compared. For laser welding, a large amount of brittle needle-like phases, together with some residues of B 4C particles were observed in the fusion zone of the joint. The use of Ti filler can improve the microstructure and increase the joint efficiency from 63 to 75%. On the other hand, the FSW, being a solid state welding technique, was interesting as it minimised the formation of brittle intermetallic phases. In addition, the breakage of B 4C particles and the grain refinement of the matrix were observed in the weld zone. The FSW joints show superior mechanical properties than the laser welded joints. Up to 100% joint efficiency can be achieved by FSW for annealed AA1100-16B 4C materials. © 2012 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. |
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