Interlayer design for joining pressureless sintered sialon ceramic and 40Cr steel brazing with Ag57Cu38Ti5 filler metal

An interlayer design and test was made to enhance the joining strength of the pressureless sintered sialon ceramic and 40Cr steel. Joining was preformed by vacuum brazing using Ag₅₇Cu₃₈Ti₅ filler metal. The joint strength was evaluated by four-point bending. A strong interfacial bond of the Ag₅₇Cu₃₈Ti₅ filler metal on the sialon ceramic with formation of Ti₂AlN, Ti₅Si₄ and TiAg was obtained at brazing temperatures over 1123 K, which could be weakened by a brazed metal such as Kovar or Ni-15Cr-15Co alloy. The joint strength of sialon ceramic with 40Cr steel can be improved by using a layer of soft interlayer such as Cu with a suitable thickness, particularly by the composite interlayer such as Cu/Nb alloy, Cu/Ta, Cu/Mo etc. The maximum strength of the ceramic/steel joint, 280 MPa, was obtained by using Cu/Nb alloy as interlayer and brazing at 1153 K for 5 min. Finally, we discuss how to design an interlayer in ceramic/metal joining.     

Joining molybdenum to aluminium by diffusion bonding

The joining of molybdenum to aluminium and aluminium-copper alloy using diffusion bonding has been investigated. Bond strengths have been measured by means of a simple shear jig and the joint microstructures characterized by electron microscopy and electron-probe microanalysis. Successful joints were produced by using a copper foil interlayer to form a eutectic liquid during the bonding process which helped disrupt the oxide film on aluminium and promote metal diffusion across the joint interface. When bonding commercial-purity aluminium to molybdenum, the iron present as an impurity caused a ternary eutectic liquid to form and, after solidification of the liquid phase, a thin film of Al₇Cu₂Fe was left behind on the aluminium. Failure of this joint occurred at a shear stress of 75 MPa, with the fracture path contained within the aluminium. With super-purity aluminium, a binary eutectic liquid was produced and the ensuing interface reaction resulted in a multi-layered structure of molybdenum-containing phases. The bond failed at the molybdenum interface at a stress of 40 MPa. When bonding aluminium-copper alloy to molybdenum without a copper interlayer, general melting at the interface via eutectic phase formation did not occur and the interface showed only localized reaction. The joint failed by separation from the molybdenum, at a stress of 25 MPa. When, however, a copper interlayer was used, fairly thick regions of multi-layered molybdenum intermetallics formed and the remaining surface was covered by a layer of Al₇Cu₂Mo phase. Failure of this joint occurred at a stress of 70 MPa, mainly by separation at the molybdenum interface.     

Microstructure and brazing mechanism of porous Si3N4/Invar joint brazed with Ag-Cu-Ti/Cu/Ag-Cu multi-layered filler

Porous Si_3N_4 was brazed to Invar alloy in this study, and Ag-Cu-Ti/Cu/Ag-Cu multi-layered filler was designed to inhibit the formation of Fe_2Ti and Ni_3Ti intermetallic compounds. The effects of the brazing temperature and the thickness of Cu interlayer on the microstructure and mechanical properties of brazed joints were investigated. The typical microstructure of the joint brazed with multi-layered filler was porous Si_3N_4/TiN + Ti_5Si_3/Ag-Cu eutectic/Cu/Ag-Cu eutectic/Cu-rich layer + diffusion layer/Invar. When the brazing temperature increased, the reaction layer at the ceramic/filler interface grew thicker and the Cu interlayer turned thinner. As the thickness of Cu interlayer increased from 50 to 150μm, the joint strength first increased and then decreased. In this research, the maximum shear strength(73 MPa) was obtained when being brazed at 1173 K with a 100μm Cu interlayer applied in the filler, which was 55% higher than that brazed with single Ag-Cu-Ti brazing alloy and had reached 86% of the ceramic. The release of residual stress and the barrier effect of Cu interlayer to inhibit the formation of Fe_2Ti and Ni_3Ti intermetallics played the major role in the improvement of joint strength.     

Strength estimation of ceramic–metal joints with various interlayer thickness

ABSTRACT Residual stresses generated by the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients of ceramics and metals affect the strength of ceramic–metal joints. An interlayer metal can be inserted between the ceramic and metal in order to relax this stress. An analysis was carried out of the residual stresses produced during joint‐cooling and in 4‐point bending tests. The effects of interlayer thickness on ceramic–metal joint strength were then studied by considering a superimposed stress distribution of the residual stress and the bending stress. Finally, joint strength was estimated from fracture mechanics and strength probability analysis by considering the residual stress distribution, defect size and position of pre‐existing defects in the ceramic parts. As a result of this study, we suggest an optimum material selection and interlayer thickness for ceramic–metal joint structures. This approach is generally suitable for the design of electrical and mechanical structures.     

Joining of Si3N4 using Ag57Cu38Ti5 brazing filler metal

Hot-pressed Si₃N₄ was joined using Ag₅₇Cu₃₈Ti₅ brazing filler metal at 1103 to 1253 K for 5 min in a vacuum. The interface reactions between Si₃N₄ and the brazing filler metal during brazing are reported. An important event is sufficient interface reaction, characterized by the formation of a layer of TiN with an appropriate thickness at the ceramic-filler interface. The joining strength of the butt joint depends on the interface reaction, and a maximum joining strength of 490 MPa measured by the four-point-bend method is achieved for the Si₃N₄-Si₃N₄ joint brazed at 1153 K for 5 min. It is also discussed how to design the best brazing filler metal for joining ceramic to ceramic or ceramic to metal.     

Ceramic matrix composite-metal brazed joints

A silicon nitride fibre-reinforced cordierite glass ceramic matrix composite has been brazed to titanium and stainless steel in argon with four different interlayer materials, copper, nickel, tungsten and a metal matrix composite (mmc). Joints were tested in shear and all but one failed in the ceramic composite. The highest strength joint, using a metal matrix interlayer to join cmc to stainless steel failed in the mmc at 106 MPa. Silver-copper eutectic braze and aluminium braze can be used to join metals to titanium-coated cmc, producing joints with low levels of interfacial defects. Some joints, however, show debonding at the edges where residual shear stresses are highest.     

Joining of Cf/SiC composite to GH783 superalloy with NiPdPtAu-Cr filler alloy and a Mo interlayer

With assistance of Mo interlayer, joining of C_f/SiC composite to GH783 superalloy was carried out using NiPdPtAu-Cr filler alloy. Under the brazing condition of 1200 °C for 10 min, the maximum joint strength of 98.5 MPa at room temperature was achieved when the thickness of Mo interlayer was 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the corresponding joint strength tested at 800 °C and 900 °C was even elevated to 123.8 MPa and 133.0 MPa, respectively. On one hand, the good high-temperature joint strength was mainly attributed to the formation of the refractory Mo-Ni-Si ternary compound within the joint. On the other hand, the residual Mo interlayer as a hard buffer, can release the residual thermal stresses within the dissimilar joint. The C_f/SiC-Mo bonding interface was still the weak link over the whole joint, and the cracks propagated throughout the whole reaction zone between the C_f/SiC composite and the Mo interlayer.     

陶瓷/金属钎焊体系反应润湿及残余热应力缓解的研究进展

陶瓷/金属钎焊件广泛应用于机械电子、能源化工、航空航天和生物医学等领域以实现材料各自性能上的优势互补。然而,陶瓷与金属原子键合上的差异及热膨胀失配使得它们的高可靠连接面临润湿性和残余热应力的问题。综述了国内外在反应润湿和残余热应力缓解方面的研究进展,对活性钎料/陶瓷界面反应产物及界面结构、界面反应热力学、反应润湿及铺展动力学模型进行了介绍,总结了复合钎料法和添加中间层法等残余热应力的缓解方法,并对当前存在的问题进行了初步探讨。     

Effect of holding time on microstructure and mechanical properties of Si3N4/Si3N4 joints brazed with Au58.7Ni36.5V4.8 filler alloy

Si₃N₄ ceramics were brazed using Au–Ni–V metal foils at 1423 K for different holding times. Effect of holding time on microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints was investigated. The results indicate that a reaction layer of VN exists at the interface between Si₃N₄ ceramic and filler alloy. With increasing holding time from 0 to 90 min, thickness of the VN reaction layer increases from 0.4 to 2.8 μm, obeying a linear relation. Mechanism of the interfacial reaction was discussed by calculating the formation of free energy of VN. No specific orientation relationship exists between VN reaction layer and Si₃N₄ ceramic. In addition, Ni₃Si intermetallic compound appears in the joint when the holding time increases to 90 min, resulting in the deterioration of the joint strength.     

Transient liquid-phase bonding of alumina and metal matrix composite base materials

Transient liquid-phase (TLP) bonding of aluminium-based metal matrix composite (MMC) and Al2O3 ceramic materials has been investigated, particularly the relationship between particle segregation, copper interlayer thickness, holding time and joint shear strength properties. The long completion time and the slow rate of movement of the solid–liquid interface during MMC/Al2O3 bonding markedly increased the likelihood of forming a particle-segregated layer at the dissimilar joint interface. Preferential failure occurred through the particle-segregated layer in dissimilar joints produced using 20 and 30 μm thick copper foils and long holding times (≥20 min). When the particle-segregated layer was very thin (<10 μm), joint failure was determined by the residual stress distribution in the Al2O3/MMC joints, not by preferential fracture through the particle-segregated layer located at the bondline. Satisfactory shear strength properties were obtained when a thin (5 μm thick) copper foil was used during TLP bonding at 853 K. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Kinetic and microstructural aspects of the reaction layer at ceramic/metal braze joints

The formation and stability of the reaction layer when brazing non-oxide ceramic materials were studied. Si₃N₄-Si₃N₄, SiC-SiC and Si₃N₄-stainless steel braze joints were produced and investigated. Several filler metals, most Cu- and Ag/Cu-based, containing different amounts of titanium were used to evaluate the effect of titanium on the formation and growth of the reaction layer. Some braze joints were processed using filler metals containing precious metals for high-temperature and oxidation-resistant applications. It was established that the matrix composition of titanium-bearing filler metals affects the ceramic wetting characteristics and the reaction layer kinetics. In the Si₃N₄ braze joints, the reaction layer consisted of TiN and titanium silicides. An activation energy corresponding to the diffusion of nitrogen in TiN was calculated for the growth of the reaction layer. During fabrication of the braze joints with precious-metal-containing filler metals at 1250°C, Si₃N₄ decomposed and a sound joint could not be processed. Premetallizing the Si₃N₄ with an AgCulnTi filler metal resulted in the formation of the reaction layer and permitted the fabrication of sound braze joints at 1250°C. Attempts to produce SiC braze joints with CuTi filler metals were unsuccessful owing to the decomposition of the SiC; a TiCreaction layer had developed, but this did not prevent the diffusion of copper into the ceramic substrate, nor did it slow down the decomposition of the SiC.Visiting Professor at Werkstoffwissenschaften, Aachen, Germany.     

Transient liquid-phase insert metal bonding of Al2O3 and AISI 304 stainless steel

Transition liquid-phase insert metal bonding of Al2O3 and AISI 304 stainless steel based materials is investigated. This joining technique allows the continuous replenishment of the active solute which is consumed by the chemical reaction that occurs at the ceramic/filler metal interface. Replenishment is facilitated by employing a sandwich of filler materials comprising tin-based filler metal and amorphous Cu50Ti50 or NiCrB interlayers. During Al2O3/AISI 304 stainless steel bonding, the highest shear strength properties are produced using a bonding temperature of 500 °C. Thick reaction layers containing defects form at the ceramic/filler material interface when higher bonding temperatures are applied. Bonding at temperatures above 500 °C also increases the tensile residual stress generated at the periphery of Al2O3/AISI 304 stainless steel joints. The shear strength of joints produced using NiCrB interlayers markedly increased following heat treatment at 200 °C for 1.5 h. Heat treatment had little influence on the shear strength of the joint produced using Cu50Ti50 interlayers. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Microstructure and bond strength of Ni-Cr steel/Si3 N4 joint brazed with Ag-Cu-Zr alloy

Abstract

The interfacial microstructure and bond strength were examined for a Ni-Cr steel/Si3 N4 joint brazed using an Ag-Cu eutectic alloy containing 5 wt-%Zr. The reaction of Si₃N₄ with the brazing alloy formed a very thin ZrN layer with a cubic structure (a = 4.577 Å) at the interface. No Zr silicide (Zr₅Si₃) was present at the interface even though its formation is thermodynamically possible. The reaction product did not contain any of the dilute ceramic phases or intermetallics which are commonly seen in other active metal brazing systems. This strongly implies that the elements of the Ni-Cr steel and Ag or Cu in the brazing alloy, did not participate in the interfacial reaction. The shear strength of the joint was strongly dependent on the thickness of the reaction layer and the morphology of CuZr₂ precipitates in the brazement. A joint with a reaction layer thickness of 0.5 μm, which was formed by brazing at 950°C for 30 min, showed the highest fracture shear strength (～ 202 MPa).     

Microstructural characterization in diffusion bonded TiC-Al2O3/Cr18-Ni8 joint with Ti interlayer

Ceramic matrix composite, TiC-Al₂O₂, and stainless steel, Cr18-Ni8, were joined at 1400 K by solid state diffusion bonding, making use of a Ti foil acting as thermal stress relief interlayer. The microstructure of the joint was thus formed. The diffusion bonded TiC-Al₂O₃/Cr18-Ni8 joint was investigated by a variety of characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that Ti foil is fully fused to react with elements from substrates and Ti₃Al, TiC and α-Ti are formed in the diffusion bonded TiC-Al₂O₃/Cr18-Ni8 joint. The interfacial shear strength is up to 99 MPa and the shear fracture occurs close to the ceramic matrix composite due to the application of Ti foil acting as thermal stress relief interlayer.     

Residual stress distribution as a function of depth in graphite/copper brazing joints via X-ray diffraction

The residual stress distributions as a function of depth in three different graphite/copper brazing joints:with no interlayer,with a copper interlayer and with a niobium interlayer are measured via X-ray diffraction by transmission geometry.The residual stress in all the joints is found to be generally compressive and increasing from the surface to the interface.Copper and niobium interlayers are both effective in alleviating the residual stress in the joint and the stress value in the joint with a niobium interlayer appearing to be the lowest.The strength of the joint is demonstrated to be closely related to the residual stress and the fracture position of the joint corresponds well with the highest residual stress.     

Reactive brazing of ceria to an ODS ferritic stainless steel

This research study shows that a ceria ceramic can be bonded to an ODS ferritic stainless steel (MA956) by reactive brazing using a Ag₆₈-Cu_27.5-Ti_4.5 interlayer. The ability to join these materials provides an alternative to the current ceramic interconnects used in the development of solid oxide fuel cells. Initial results show that the ceramic-metal bonds survived the bonding process irrespective of the degree of porosity within the ceria ceramic. Metallographic analyses indicate that a reaction zone formed along the ceria/braze interface, which was not only titanium rich, but also consisted of a mixture of copper oxides. When the ceramic-metal bonds were exposed to high bonding temperatures or when subjected to thermal cycling at 700°C, this reaction layer increased in thickness and had a detrimental affect on the mechanical strength of the final joints.     

The influence of brazing conditions on joint strength in Al2O3/Al2O3 bonding

The brazing of alumina ceramic to itself was performed using Ag₅₇Cu₃₈Ti₅ filler alloy. The bonding was carried out in a vacuum of 7 × 10^?3 Pa, and the joining conditions were at 1073, 1123, 1173, 1223, 1273 and 1323 K for 1.8ks under a pressure of 0.01 MPa, at 1123 K with a pressure of 0.01 MPa for 0, 0.3, 0.9, 1.8, 2.7 and 3.6 ks, and at 1123 K for 1.8 ks with pressures of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.30 MPa, to determine the effects of joining temperature, pressure and holding time on the joint strength. The joint strength was measured by shear tests. The interface microstructures and fractured surfaces after testing were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was shown that the shear strength of Al₂O₃/Al₂O₃ joints was largely affected by the joining conditions; it first increased and then decreased with increasing joining temperature, pressure and holding time and depended mainly on the strength of interfacial reaction layer itself and the interface bonding strength between the reaction layer and the ceramic. The maximum joint strength was obtained when the reaction occurred under a suitable temperature, pressure and time, and the reaction layer thickness was about 2 μm. SEM observations revealed that there were four types of fracture and each kind corresponded to a different strength.     

The adhesion of metal/alumina interfaces

Cylinders of copper and nickel have been melted under various conditions to form sessile drops on alumina plaques. The resultant metal/ceramic adhesion at room temperature has been measured using the commonly adopted test in which the drops are pushed off the ceramic plaques. The stress system involved in the test has been analysed and it has been shown that the standard interpretation of the test, as a measure of interfacial shear strength, is not valid; the revised interpretation makes it a measure of adhesion in tension. Results for the Cu/Al₂O₃ and Ni/Al₂O₃ systems show that non-wetted interfaces can be strong and have strengths that are independent of contact-angle changes caused by wetting-temperature variations.     

Brazing of SiC to a wrought nickel-based superalloy using CoFeNi(Si, B)CrTi filler metal

Newly-developed CoFeNi(Si, B)CrTi brazing filler metal was used for joining of SiC to a wrought nickel-based superalloy (GH3044). The brazing alloy was fabricated into brazing foils by a rapid solidifying technique, and the brazing temperature was fixed at 1150 °C. The SiC/GH3044 joints using single interlayer Ni or triple interlayers of Ni/W/Ni showed very low strength, and this was because the Ni severely interfered with the normal reactions between the SiC and the brazing alloy. When using triple interlayers of Kovar/W/Ni for the SiC/GH3044 joining, the joint strength was remarkably elevated to 62.5-64.6 MPa. Kovar has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Moreover, when Kovar was used as an interlayer neighboured to the brazed SiC, it basically ensured the normal interfacial reactions between the brazed SiC and the used brazing alloy. These two factors should account for the improvement of the joint strength.     

Interface characteristics and mechanical properties of the induction brazed joint of magnesium alloy AZ31B with an Al-based filler metal

In this paper, wrought magnesium alloy AZ31B sheets were brazed by means of high-frequency induction heating device using a novel Al-based filler metal in argon gas shield condition. The interfacial microstructure, phase constitution and fracture morphology of the brazed joint were studied. The experimental results show that α-Mg solid solution and β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase were formed in brazing region. Moreover, the homogeneous Mg₃₂(Al, Zn)₄₉ phase in the original Al-based filler metal disappeared entirely after the brazing process due to the fierce alloying between the molten filler metal and the base metal during brazing. Test results show that the shear strength of the brazed joint is 45 MPa. The fracture morphology of the brazed joint exhibits intergranular fracture mode and the crack originates from the hard β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase.