Mechanical and metallurgical properties of friction-welded TiC particulate reinforced Ti–6Al–4V

Titanium matrix composite (TMC) has demonstrated a high strength-to-weight ratio as well as good properties at high temperature. The successful application of TMC depends on a suitable joining technique. Rotational friction welding seems to be an ideal choice because it is a solid state joining process (TMCs have shown to be sensitive to fusion welding processes) achieving good mechanical properties. The aim of this work is to investigate the feasibility of joining particle-reinforced composites by rotational friction welding. The integrity of the joints has been investigated by optical and electron microscopy, while the mechanical properties assessment included microhardness and tensile tests. The mechanical properties assessment has indicated no detrimental effect of the joining process on the tensile properties.