Microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-layered Al/Ti composites produced by explosive welding

Microstructure and phase in the bonding zone of explosively welded Ti/Al multilayer clads were examined by optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The defect-free multilayer composite was successfully formed. The macro-scale observations showed that the interfaces between joined plates presented mixed wavy/flat shape with solidified melt inclusions located preferentially at the crest of each wave and in the wave vortex. It was found that interfaces of wavy character were always formed in layers near the explosive charge, and flattened with the increase of the distance from the top surface. The micro- scale analyses observations revealed a presence of very thin reaction layer at the flat parts of the joint plates and nano-grained structure of melted zones.