Electric current-assisted joining of similar/dissimilar materials

This Chapter reviews recent studies on electric current-assisted joining of materials. A brief description of the phenomena that can be induced by electric current passing through an interface is provided. The possibilities of using spark plasma sintering facilities for the joining purposes are outlined. Electric current-assisted joining of similar and dissimilar materials with and without intermediate layers is described. An emphasis is put on the microstructural features of the joints forming under the action of passing electric current. The formation of new phases within the joints and their influence on the joint strength are addressed. Examples of joining enabled by infiltration of the melt into a porous structure are presented. Further directions and challenges in this rapidly developing research area are discussed.