Nanostructure Particle-Reinforced Transient Liquid Phase Diffusion Bonding: a Comparative Study

摘要

Particle-reinforced aluminum–metal matrix composites (Al-MMCs) are used in many engineering applications, because they provide significant advantages when compared to monolithic aluminum alloys. However, there still exists the need to identify a suitable joining process for these materials, which minimizes particulate disruption and retains the strength of the MMC within the joint region. This study presents a comparison between joint qualities achieved when a monolithic interlayer is used vs when a nanoparticle-reinforced composite interlayer is used during transient liquid phase diffusion bonding of Al-6061 alloy containing 15 vol pct of Al₂O₃ particles. Examination of the joint region using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the formation of eutectic phases such as Al₃Ni, Al₉FeNi, and Ni₃Si within the joint zone. The results indicate that the addition of nanoparticle reinforcements into the interlayer can be used to improve joint strength and minimize particle segregation.