Investigation on braze joint strength and microstructure of Ti-CP with Ag and Ti base filler alloys

This research investigates influences of brazing parameters (brazing alloy, temperature and time) on microstructures and mechanical properties of a commercially pure (CP) titanium sheet which is brazed with CBS 34 (Ag-based) and STEMET 1228 (Ti-based) braze-filler foils. Brazing was performed in a conventional inert furnace at temperature ranges of 800-870°C and 10-30 minutes for holding times. Qualities of the brazed joints were evaluated by ultrasonic testing, and then, microstructure and phase constitution of the bonded joints were analyzed by means of metallography, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties of brazed joints were evaluated by shear testing. Diffusion of titanium from substrate to filler alloy developed a strong reaction between them. A number of phases such as TiCu, Ti 2Cu, TiAg, Ag-Zn solid solution matrix (for Ag-based brazed samples) and Ti 2Cu, (Ti,Zr) 2Ni, Zr 2Cu (for Ti-based brazed samples) have been identified. The optimum brazing parameters were achieved at a temperature of 870 °C-20 min for CBS 34 and 870 °C-30 min for STEMET 1228. The specimen using STEMET 1228 braze alloy demonstrates best bonding strength (equal to Ti-CP tensile strength). Copyright 2012 ASM International® All rights reserved.