A Joining Dissimilar Material Pairs by Mechanical Locking Method (MLM)

Abstract

Several methods that have been used in joining material pairs with diferent properties share many disadvantages. To overcome these disadvantages, the current study introduces mechanical locking method (MLM), which is a new and environmentally friendly method. This method can prevent many problems, especially those related to chemical incompatibility in practical applications. The method helps materials with physical and chemical incompatibilities join successfully. The only limitation in the joining process is that one of the materials must melt. When this criterion is met, ceramics can be joint with metals, ferrous-based materials can be joint with non-ferrous metals and other types of materials. This study used two diferent metal alloys, namely plain carbon steel and brass (CuZn30) for MLM as mold metal and reshaping metal, respectively. MLM process resulted in a successful joining for steel-brass alloys. Joint material pairs were examined using microstructural methods and mechanical properties. The study used the tensile test to evaluate the mechanical properties of joint metals, and used Vickers indentation for hardness measurement. The researcher conducted Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) investigations for possible interface reactions and re-formed grain structures for both alloys.