Formation of Interfacial Reaction Layers in Al2O3/SS 430 Brazed Joints Using Cu-7Al-3.5Zr Alloys

The formation of interfacial reaction layers was investigated in an α-Al2O3/430 stainless steel (SS430) joint brazed using a Cu-7Al-3.5Zr active brazing alloy. Brazing was conducted at above its eutectic temperature of 945 °C and below liquidus 1045 °C, where liquid and solid phases of the brazing alloys coexists. At 1000 °C, the liquid phase of the brazing alloy was wet onto the α-Al2O3 surface. Zr in the liquid phase reduced α-Al2O3 to form a continuous ZrO2 layer. As the dwell time increased, Zr in the liquid phases near α-Al2O3 interface was used up to thicken the reaction layers. The growth kinetics of the layer obeys the parabolic rate law with a rate constant of 9.25 × 10−6 cm·s−1/2. It was observed that a number of low yield strength Cu-rich particles were dispersed over the reaction layer, which can release the residual stress of the joint resulting in reduction of crack occurrence.