Friction stir weld tools having fine grain structure

US9283637B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• Glenn J. Grant · Benton City, US
• John G. Frye, Jr. · Richland, US
• Jin Yong Kim · Seoul, KR
• Curt A. Lavender · Richland, US
• Kenneth Scott Weil · Perrysburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 22, 2013
• Grant date: Mar 15, 2016
• Expiry date: Jul 11, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01P2004/04
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Tools for friction stir welding can be made with fewer process steps, lower cost techniques, and/or lower cost ingredients than other state-of-the-art processes by utilizing improved compositions and processes of fabrication. Furthermore, the tools resulting from the improved compositions and processes of fabrication can exhibit better distribution and homogeneity of chemical constituents, greater strength, and/or increased durability. In one example, a friction stir weld tool includes tungsten and rhenium and is characterized by carbide and oxide dispersoids, by carbide particulates, and by grains that comprise a solid solution of the tungsten and rhenium. The grains do not exceed 10 micrometers in diameter.