Improved microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar explosive cladding by means of interlayer technique

Aluminium and copper plates are explosively cladded with Al 5052, copper and SS 304 interlayers and the results are reported. While continuous molten layer is obtained in conventional explosive clads, a smooth interface, devoid of defects, is obtained in interlayer laced explosive clads. The mechanical properties of interlayer laced explosive clads confirm higher kinetic energy utilization leading to stronger clad. Ram tensile, shear strengths and Vickers microhardness of Al–Cu explosive clad with different interlayers are higher than conventional two layer clad.