Rod Extrusion of Titanium-Aluminum Composites

The combination of different metals enables the processing of materials with local optimized properties. Thus, the production of metallic composites is associated with high standards in manufacturing technologie. Focus of the following investigations is the rod extrusion process of titanium-aluminum-composites. Besides the mechanical properties, the formation of the bonding zone and the mechanisms of adhesion in the bonding zone were investigated. The influence of specimens' preparation and of different coatings used improve bonding were a matter of particular interest. Whereas coatings of copper or nickel inhibit the formation of a strong bonding due to the formation of oxide layers, sealed titanium cores can reach a mechanical strength of up to 100 MPa after rod extrusion. Compared to other joining technologies, an impairment of the base metal via formation of heat affected zones, pores or grain coarsening does not occur.