Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Ultrasonic Spot-Welded Aluminum-to-Aluminum Joint: Response to Interlayer Thickness.

To enhance the mechanical strength of an ultrasonic spot-welded Al/Al joint, an Al 2219 particle interlayer was placed between the two Al sheets during the ultrasonic spot welding process. The effects of the interlayer thickness on the microstructure and mechanical performances of the joints were systematically investigated. The results showed that, the optimum thickness of the Al 2219 particle interlayer was 10 μm, which was beneficial to enhance the weld interface temperature up to 402 °C. The bonding interface of Al/Al 2219 with a wave-like shape was sound, and no significant diffusion layer occurred. The peak lap shear tensile strength (~84.8 MPa) was obtained, which was 36% higher than that (~67.3 MPa) for the joint without the Al 2219 particle interlayer. The strengthening mechanism is caused by the increase of plastic deformation and contact areas in the weld interface.