Study on the possibility of continuous-casting of bimetallic components in condition of direct connection of metals in a liquid state

The possibility of producing bimetals by continuous casting method when composition of components occurs in liquid state without mixing is considered. Contact layers of composite metals were investigated by methods of metallographic, X-ray diffraction, microscopic and ultrasonic analyses. Binary mixtures of eutectic type Al-Zn, Al-Sn, Al-Pb were selected. The numerical estimations for bimetallic casting of some metal-alloy pairs were also conducted to achieve the optimization of casting process condition. It was observed that the size of diffusion zone of interface layer was 0.1-0.5 mm in producing bimetallic compositions by direct connection of liquid phase components. The microstructures observed in bimetallic binary samples were well accorded to those expected from the phase diagrams. It could be concluded from the mathematical simulation for casting process that qualified bimetallic casting billet and plate can be continuously cast by carefully controlling the casting process condition such as withdrawing speed. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.