EXPLOSIVELY CLAD METALS

In 1962, the first method for welding (qv) metals ia spots along a linear path by explosive detonation was patented (8). This method is not, however, used iadustriaHy. In 1963, a theory that explained how and why cladding occurs was pubHshed (9). Research efforts resulted ia process patents which standardized iadustrial explosion cladding. Several of the patents describe the use of variables iavolved ia parallel cladding which is the most popular form of explosion cladding (10—13). Several excellent reviews on metal cladding have been pubHshed (14—16). 

The explosive cladding process provides several advantages over other metal-bonding processes  

To obtain a metallurgical bond between two metals, the atoms of each metal must be brought sufficiently close so that their normal forces of interatomic attraction produce a bond. The surfaces of metals and alloys must not be covered with films of oxides, nitrides, or adsorbed gases. When such films are present, metal surfaces do not bond satisfactorily (see Metal surface treatments). 

Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (4th Edition) 

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The majority of explosion-clad metals are less expensive than the soHd metals that could be used instead of the clad systems. 

The industrially useful combinations of explosively clad metals that ate available in commercial sizes ate Hsted in Figure 7. The Hst does not include triclads or possible combinations not yet explored. The combinations that explosion cladding can provide ate virtually limidess (24). 

Fig. 7. Commercially available explosion-clad metal combinations.

Table 2. Shear Strengths of Explosively Clad Metals...

Explosion-bonded metals are produced by several manufacturers in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The chemical industry is the principal consumer of explosion-bonded metals which are used in the constmction of clad reaction vessels and heat-exchanger tube sheets for corrosion-resistant service. The primary market segments for explosion-bonded metals are for corrosion-resistant pressure vessels, tube sheets for heat exchangers, electrical transition joints, and stmctural transition joints. Total world markets for explosion-clad metals are estimated to fluctuate between 30 x 10 to 60 x 10 annually. 

Microhardness - [HARDNESS] (Vol 12) -of explosively clad metals [TffiTALLIC COATINGS - EXPLOSIVELY CLAD METALS] (Vol 16) -of metallic nitrides [NITRIDES] (Vol 17)... 

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