Investigation on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of SSM 356-T6 Aluminium Alloy by Diffusion Bonding

SSM 356-T6 aluminium alloys generally present low weldability by fusion methods because of the sensitivity to weld solidification cracking, porosities, change microstructure in weld zone and other defects in the fusion zone. Diffusion bonding can be deployed successfully with aluminium alloys. This paper presents the technique to conserve the globular weld structure of SSM 356-T6 aluminium alloy. The effect of joining parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of diffusion bonding butt joints of semi-solid metal 356-T6 aluminium alloy were investigated by conditions as follows: contact pressure at 0.4, 0.9, 1.8, 2.4 and 2.7 MPa, for 3 hours holding time and temperature at 495°C under argon atmosphere at 4 liters per minute. The results showed that condition used contact pressure 2.4 MPa, with 3 hours holding time and temperature at 495°C, under argon atmosphere provided. The highest joint strength reaching to 182.2 MPa, which had joint efficiency of 61.34 percents compared with base material. In addition, microstructure in welded zone after welding is still in globular structure, but the grain size was increased when the higher bonding temperature was used. The results of this investigation have shown that an average hardness is around 121.2 HV.