Joining of SiC fibre reinforced borosilicate glass matrix composites to molybdenum by metal and silicate brazing

The brazing of SiC fibre reinforced borosilicate glass matrix composites with Mo plates has been investigated. Molybdenum was chosen as the metallic partner under consideration of system requirements, e.g. thermomechanical stability at temperatures of interest (500-750 degrees C), and physical properties, e.g. coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of the glass matrix composite. Two brazing filler materials were investigated: a glass braze (Schott G018-174) and an active filler metal (Incusil ABA, brazing temperature = 740 degrees C). When using the glass braze the surface of the metal had to be roughened to ensure a bond of significant strength. Vacuum brazing with the active filler metal resulted in joints with high strength, which allows to fully utilise the mechanical competence of the glass matrix composite when the joint configuration is adapted to the relevant loading conditions. A novel design of a tool for hot glassware handling, made of glass matrix composite/Mo joints, is presented. (c) 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.