Behavior and influence of Pb and Bi in Ag-Cu-Zn brazing alloy

The effects of trace content of Pb and Bi elements on the spreading property and the strength of brazed joints of Ag-Cu-Zn filler metal have been studied. The results show that Pb has little effect on both above properties, and Bi has remarkable influence on the spreading property but little effect on the strength of brazed joint. Lead and Bi dissolve into the Ag-Cu-Zn matrix and will melt and gather at lower temperature when that alloy is being heated. Therefore a liquid forms on the surface of the Ag-Cu-Zn alloy and overlays the melting alloy, then keeps the filler metal away from the materials being joined, and so decreases the spreading property. Base metals: copper and 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel.