Diffusion bonding of AZ91 using a silver interlayer

Diffusion bonding of AZ91 alloy with a silver interlayer was carried out at 480 °C for different times under 1 MPa in a vacuum of 2 × 10⁻³ Pa. Shear test was applied to measure the shear strengths of the joints in the room temperature. The shear strength values of all bonded samples were found around 65–70 MPa. SEM–EDS studies indicated that the melting occurred along the interface of bonded samples as a result of transfer of atoms between the interlayer and the matrix during bonding. XRD results confirmed that the interlayer dissolved in the interface of joints. Investigations of the fracture surfaces showed that a good bonding was obtained by plastic deformation.