Intermetallic layer formation and its effect on the mechanical behavior of laminated Ta–Au composites

The tensile properties and deformation behavior of Ta–Au laminated composites processed by diffusion bonding are presented. The formation of the Ta–Au interface region was characterized using XRD, SEM and nanoindentation in order to identify the phases present. Tensile test results showed that the composition of the interface region strongly affects the overall sample behavior. The data indicates that the interface region tends to form into a stable AuTa phase. The overall material strength and ductility are then related to the composition of the intermediate interface layer.