Anibal Guedes

The joining of zirconia (ZrO₂) to Ti6Al4V using Ag-Cu sputter-coated Ti brazing filler foil was investigated. Brazing experiments were performed at 900, 950, and 980 °C for 30 min under vacuum. The microstructural features of the brazed interfaces were evaluated by optical microscopy (OM) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition of the brazed interfaces was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Room temperature shear tests and Vickers microhardness tests performed across the interfaces were used to evaluate the mechanical strength of the joints. Multilayered interfaces were produced for all brazing temperatures, consisting essentially in α-Ti + Ti₂(Ag, Cu), TiAg. Joining to ZrO₂ was promoted by the formation of a hard layer, reaching a maximum of 1715 HV0.01, possibly consisting mainly in α-Ti and Ti oxide(s). Joining to the Ti6Al4V was established by a layer composed of a mixture of α-Ti and Ti₂(Ag, Cu). The highest shear strength (152 ± 4 MPa) was obtained for brazing at 980 °C and fracture of joints occurred partially across the interface, throughout the hardest layers formed close to ZrO₂, and partially across the ceramic sample.

The joining of alumina (Al₂O₃) to γ-TiAl and Ti6Al4V alloys, using Ag-Cu sputter-coated Ti brazing filler foil, was investigated. Brazing experiments were performed at 980 °C for 30 min in vacuum. The microstructure and chemical composition of the brazed interfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. A microstructural characterization of joints revealed that sound multilayered interfaces were produced using this novel brazing filler. Both interfaces are composed mainly of α-Ti, along with Ti₂(Ag,Cu) and TiAg intermetallics. In the case of the brazing of γ-TiAl alloys, α₂-Ti₃Al and γ-TiAl intermetallics are also detected at the interface. Bonding to Al₂O₃ is promoted by the formation of a quite hard Ti-rich layer, which may reach a hardness up to 1872 HV 0.01 and is possibly composed of a mixture of α-Ti and Ti oxides. Hardness distribution maps indicate that no segregation of either soft or brittle phases occurs at the central regions of the interfaces or near the base Ti alloys. In addition, a smooth hardness transition was established between the interface of Al₂O₃ to either γ-TiAl or Ti6Al4V alloys.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential use of titanium foil coated with sputtered silver and copper films as a novel brazing filler for joining TiAl alloys. For this purpose, a detailed microstructural characterization of the resulting brazing interfaces was carried out. The development of brazing fillers that allow the joining of TiAl alloys without compromising the service temperature is a fruitful prospect. Brazing experiments were performed in a vacuum at 900, 950, and 980°C, with a dwell time of 30 min. Microstructural characterization reveals that brazing joints can be obtained successfully at 950 and 980°C. The interface consists of a large central region of α-Ti with an amount of Al and Ti–Ag compound and thin layers, mainly composed of intermetallic compounds, formed close to the base material. A novel brazing filler consisting of Ti foil coated with sputtered Ag and Cu films inhibits the extensive formation of soft (Ag) zones or coarse brittle Ti–Al–(Cu,Ni) particles. Hence, the need for post-brazing heat treatments for the joining of TiAl alloys was avoided.

Joining γ-TiAl alloy to Ni-based superalloy Hastelloy using Ag-Cu sputtered coated Ti foil as brazing filler was investigated in this study. Brazing experiments were performed at 900, 950, and 980 °C with a dwelling stage of 10 min in vacuum. The microstructure and the chemical composition of the resulting interfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Sound joints were produced after brazing at 980 °C, presenting a multilayered interface, consisting mainly of Ti-Al and Ti-Ni-Al intermetallics close to the γ-TiAl alloy, and of Ti-rich, Ti-Ni, and Cr-Ni-Mo rich phases near Hastelloy. The hardness of the interface, ranging from around 300 to 1100 HV0.01, is higher than both base materials, but no segregation of either Ag solid solution or coarse intermetallic particles was observed. Therefore, the developed brazing filler also avoids the need to perform post-brazing heat treatments that aim to eliminate detrimental extensive segregation of either soft phases or of hard and brittle compounds.