Interfacial behavior and mechanical properties of aluminum foam joint fabricated by surface self-abrasion fluxless soldering

Fluxless soldering with surface self-abrasion has been developed for joining aluminum foams with metallic bonding. The effect of the self-abrasion on the wettability of molten solder alloy and mechanical properties is determined by microstructural observation, tension and compression tests. No apparent macroscopic deformation and collapse of foam structure are observed adjacent to the joint interface. The average tensile strength of the joints is about 14% higher than that of aluminum foam, and the compressive strength can reach 200% of that of aluminum foam. The deformation mechanisms and energy absorbing characteristics of aluminum foam and the joint are investigated. The aluminum foam joint fails primarily by bending, crushing, and compaction of cell walls and cracking of the solder seam. The interdiffusion process is explained based on thermodynamic equations.