Current Trends in Dissimilar Diffusion Bonding of Titanium Alloys to Stainless Steels, Aluminium and Magnesium

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of the advancements made in the diffusion bonding of titanium and its alloys to other advanced materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, and magnesium. This combination of advanced alloys has received considerable attention in different industries, including aerospace, petrochemical, and nuclear applications due to high specific strength, lightweight, corrosion resistance, and moderate to high mechanical properties. The mechanisms of bond formation are discussed based on the type of microstructures formed and the mechanical properties achieved. The scientific literature identifies various methods/processes for controlling the volume of intermetallic compounds formed within the joint regions, as well as ways of maximising the strength of the weld/joints. This paper discusses the relationship between weld/bond properties and bonding parameters such as time, temperature, surface roughness, pressures, interlayer composition, and thickness. The scientific literature also shows that the bonding mechanisms and microstructural evolution of the bond zone can be significantly affected by suitable optimization of the bonding parameters. Additionally, this is a method of maximising bond strength.

Impulse Pressure-Assisted Diffusion Bonding (IPADB): Review and Outlook

“…Compared with competing joining technologies such as brazing and gluing, diffusion bonding is relatively expensive. Cooke and Atieh [2] identified the relatively slow welding times (diffusion bonding of metals usually requires process times between 30 min and several hours) as the major key challenge that needs to be overcome to better integrate diffusion bonding in other production processes.…”

“…To reduce bonding time of the diffusion bonding process, Cooke and Atieh [2] suggested to use nanostructured interlayers. Using thin interlayers that melt during diffusion bonding is not a new process but referred to as transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding that can dramatically reduce bonding times.…”

A Review: Laser Welding of Dissimilar Materials (Al/Fe, Al/Ti, Al/Cu)—Methods and Techniques, Microstructure and Properties

“…Diffusion welding is the undisputed leader among the welding types that allow connecting significantly dissimilar materials, such as glass to metal, ceramics to glass, and others [ 15 ]. However, this welding type has some significant disadvantages compared to fusion welding, such as equipment complexity, low productivity, the limited size of workpieces, etc.…”

Simulation of Diffusion Bonding of Different Heat Resistant Nickel-Base Alloys

“…However, in most cases, to avoid the formation of brittle intermetallic inclusions, an interlayer metal is used. Examples are bonding of titanium to steel [6][7][8][9], nickel [10], copper [11] and the use of copper interlayer for bonding stainless steel to Zircaloy 4 [12]. Heat-resistant intermetallic alloys can have unique physical and mechanical properties (heat resistance, resistance to oxidation, corrosion, creep performance, etc.)…”