Joinability of particulate reinforced alumix 231 based composite materials produced by powder metallurgy route

In the present study, weldability of Alumix 231 based composite materials reinforced with Al₂O₃ and B₄C and produced by powder metallurgy route is investigated. Various amounts of (0, 5, 10, and 15% wt.) Al₂O₃ and B₄C powders are added to the pre-alloyed Alumix 231 (Al - 2.5% Cu - 0.5% Mg - 14% Si) powders separately and then mixed in a three-dimensional mixer for 45 min. Powders are compacted and sintered in an argon atmosphere at 640°C for 4 h. Produced blocks are welded by the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding at 25 V, 197 A and 14 l/min shielded gas flow in commercially pure argon atmosphere. Macro- and microexamination together with some mechanical properties of the welded area are studied. The results show that, although high amount of particles resulted in a decrease in the density, these composite materials can still be welded by the TIG welding method successfully.