Zirconia-TZM brazed joints

The results of a series of brazing tests carried out in argon to examine potential brazing methods for magnesia stabilised zirconia (MSZ) and TZM (Mo-0.5Ti-0.1Zr) are reported. It is shown that strong, void-free TZM-zirconia joints can be made by brazing in Ar. Ticusil active metal braze and gold in conjunction with a titanium coated ceramic can be used but it is necessary to apply pressure to the joint during the brazing operation. One explanation for the necessary use of pressure is that as the pressure increases, entrapped air is excluded from the joint as adjoining surfaces are pressed together prior to the braze becoming liquid.