Metal matrix composite material reinforced with metal wire and produced with gas metal arc welding

Abstract

In the search for high-performance parts and structures, especially for the aviation and aerospace industry, metal matrix composites appear with prominence. However, despite exhibiting high levels of mechanical properties and low densities, these materials are still very expensive, mainly due to complex production. Thus, this work aims to present and evaluate a novel way of manufacturing metal matrix composites, with relative low cost and complexity: by using low-energy fusion welding to deposit the matrix material on top of continuous metal wire reinforcement. For proof of concept, Al alloy was used as matrix material, a single Ti alloy wire as reinforcement, and gas metal arc welding CMT-Pulse® as the process for material deposition. The simplified Al–Ti composite was evaluated in terms of impact resistance and tensile strength and stiffness. Overall, the mechanical performance of the composite was around 23% higher than that of the matrix material itself (Al), this with only about 2% of reinforcement volume and just over 3% of increase in weight. Analyses of the Al–Ti composite fractures and cross-sections and of chemical composition and hardness of the matrix–reinforcement transition interface indicated the preservation (no melting) of the Ti wire and the existence of a fine contour of bonding between matrix and reinforcement. At the end, a brief discussion on the dynamics of the wire reinforcement preservation is carried out based on high-speed filming.