Microstructure and properties of the Ti/Al2O3/NiCr composites fabricated by explosive compaction/cladding

Titanium/aluminum oxide/nickel chromium (Ti/Al2O3/NiCr) composite bar prepared by explosive compaction/cladding technique represents a new kind of sandwich-structural composites for medical application. Formation of the interfaces of Ti/Al2O3 and Al2O3/NiCr govern the properties of the composite material. The electrical resistivity and microstructure of the intermediate layer and the interfaces of the Ti/Al2O3/NiCr explosive compaction/cladding bar are investigated by means of four-point probe analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The Ti/Al2O3/NiCr composite bar is characterized by the consolidated ceramic intermediate layer and the metallurgical bonding interfaces. The intermediate ceramic layer plays a role of insulation and thermal conductance in this composite. The average shear strength of the composite bar is about 9.36 MPa. The heat affected zone characterized by relatively larger sizes of grains is distinguished from the other part of the Ti tube. The intermetallics AlTi3 and Al0.9Ni4.22 are generated at the intermediate ceramic layer. Formation mechanism of the interfaces of the explosive compaction/cladding bar are described.