Interface structure of ultrasonic vibration aided interaction between Zn–Al alloy and Al2O3p/6061Al composite

Interactions between a Zn–Al alloy and an Al2O3p/6061Al composite with and without aid of ultrasonic vibration were examined. Undermining and penetrating phenomena were observed, but the oxide layer was still continuous at most places between the undermining zone and the Zn–Al alloy during interaction without ultrasonic vibration. The generation of shrinkage voids in the penetration zone made the composite unconsolidated. Under ultrasonic vibration, the oxide film disappeared, and the Zn–Al alloy turned into composite materials after ultrasonic aided interaction and the reinforcements (composite blocks) distributed uniformly and had metallurgical bonds with the matrix. The microstructure of solidified Zn–Al alloy could be designed by controlling the degree of mass transfer during interaction.