ADVANCES IN BRAZING OF CERAMICS

The main parameters in direct brazing of ceramics to ceramics and to metals are reviewed, with primary emphasis on those influencing wetting of solid ceramics by liquid filler metals. In general, wetting of ceramics by conventional brazing alloys has been regarded as difficult. As a consequence, premetallization of the faying surfaces is frequently used to facilitate the brazing of ceramics. However, it is evident from the literature that recent developments in filler metals, based on active metal (e.g. Ti) additions (the amount depending on alloy composition and type of ceramic), have provided a basis for a substantial reduction of the contact angle. This favourable effect is caused by their reactivity, resulting in the formation of oxides when joining oxide ceramics (e.g. Al2O3), and nitrides or carbides and silicides in the case of nonoxide ceramics (e.g. Si3N4 or SiC). In addition to insufficient wetting, the mismatch in thermal expansion between the joint members may give rise to a low strength level due to the formation of high residual stresses on cooling. These stresses may limit the maximum allowable flaw size in ceramics to a few micrometres, i.e. of a similar size to that of pores.