Influence of process variables on press bonding of superplastic 8090 Al–Li alloy

Solid-state bonding of superplastic 8090 Al–Li alloy is studied herein. Press bonding was employed to study the ability of bonding aluminum alloys in air. Temperature, time, deformation, and microstructures were used as process variables to determine the effect of the interconnecting factors on the bond strength. The bonds produced demonstrated that the bond strengths were strongly influenced by the bonding parameters and microstructures. Plastic deformation on loading and plastic flow during heating showed significant effect on bonding in the early stage of bonding. Bonding effect response to time was dependent on the microstructural conditions. Using sheets with a recrystallized microstructure higher bond strengths were attained.