On the manufacturing of Ag–CdO/Cu bimetallics by explosive cladding and rolling

In this paper we report on the fabrication of bimetallic components, consisting of silver/cadmium oxide and copper plates, by explosive cladding and subsequent rolling. Such components are used extensively in electrical and electronic applications, in which they are replacing components made from solid materials. The effect of the cladding and the rolling parameters on the sound fabrication of the components and on the microstructural properties of the fabricated bimetallics were evaluated in terms of 'surface integrity' by using standard metallographic methods, optical and scanning–electron microscopy, microhardness testing and energy dispersive spectometry (EDS), whilst the overall strength of the cladded composite was evaluated by the upsetting test. Interest was also directed to a characterization of the interface and the possible reaction and diffusion between Cu–Ag–Cd elements at this zone.