Investigation of the Explosive Consolidations of Al-Li Alloy and Al Powders

In this paper, explosive consolidation was investigated for rapidly solidified Al-Li alloy and Al powders. The density, microstructures and fracture morphologies of the sintering compacts were examined. The Al-Li alloy powder was prepared by argon gas atomization. The Al powders were prepared by water or nitrogen gas atomization. The powder was packed in a container and the explosive, also in powder form, was contained in a concentrically placed cardboard tube. The explosive was initiated on one end. By proper selection of the explosive parameter, the 1770 mm (Al-Li alloy) and the 100100 mm (Al) sintering cylindrical compacts have been obtained. They are defect-free and the densities of powder compacts were over 98% T. D. The microstructures and fracture morphologies show that the inter-particle bonding occurs and the bonding region consists of ultrafine grain. In the interior of particle the inherent microstructures are still retained. It is shown that the velocity and internal diameter of container, the powder strength and the characteristics of surface oxide layer are important in determining the effectiveness of the joints sintered.