Reviews on welding method of SiC particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites

SiC particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites have been concerned because of excellent properties such as low cost, superb wear resistance, high specific strength, nice specific stiffness and outstanding high resonant frequency. However, the difficulty in mechanical processing, especially the poor weldability, has restricted its engineering application. This paper reviews the welding technology progress of SiC_p/Al composites, including melting welding, diffusion welding, friction stir welding and brazing. The results show that the obviously different physical and chemical properties between SiC particles and Al matrix reduced the weldability of the Al matrix composites. When the volume fraction of SiC particles is below 35%, the welding joint is mostly adequate, even to the trend of small batch production. However, if the volume fraction of SiC particles is above 35%, especially 55% – 75% for the composites with high volume fraction, it is difficult to obtain high quality joints by traditional fusion welding method. Therefore, it is an important innovation direction for suitable connection method and special filler.