Interfacial Microstructure and Strength of Vacuum Brazed Joints of Ternary Ceramics Ti₃SiC₂

Ti3SiC2 is one of the nano-layered ternary ceramics Mn+1AXn, where M is a transition metal, A is an A-group (mostly IIIA or IVA) element, and X is C or N. With the filler of Ag-Cu-Ti, the brazing of Ti3SiC2 has been conducted at 800°C–950°C for 5-10min under 3.5×103Pa in a vacuum. The phase composition and microstructure of the joints were investigated by XRD, SEM AND EPMA. The diffusion of Cu element in fillers through the reaction zone toward Ti3SiC2 is the main controlling step in the bonding process. Joint strengths were evaluated by three point bending test. The maximum flexural strength of joints reaches is 306±11MPa, which is lower than the bending strength of Ti3SiC2, obtained under the same condition.