Friction welding of molybdenum to molybdenum and to other metals

This paper presents the result of investigations into the friction welding of similar-metal and dissimilar-metal (vanadium, tantalum, niobium, titanium and copper) combinations of molybdenum and molybdenum alloy (TZM). The produced joints were subjected to microscopic examination, microhardness tests and strength tests. It has been found that refractory metals can be joined by friction welding. The friction welded joints had proper microstructures with no intermetallic phases. Friction welding parameters proper for welding TZM to other metals have been determined. The parameters can be used for the direct welding of TZM to other metals and for the welding of interlayers.

Research Highlights
► Possible is to frictionally weld in a liquid, molybdenum to its alloy (TZM).
► Possible is to frictionally weld in a liquid molybdenum and TZM with vanadium, tantalum, niobium, titanium and copper.
► Joints microstructures had no intermetallic phases.
► Proper parameters for friction welding of molybdenum and TZM is determined.