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.