Interlayer design to control interfacial microstructure and improve mechanical properties of active brazed Invar/SiO2–BN joint

Ag–Cu/Cu/Ag–Cu–Ti composite interlayer was successfully designed to braze Invar alloy and SiO2–BN ceramic. The effect of Cu-foil thickness on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the brazed joints was investigated. The results showed that, compared with single Ag–Cu–Ti brazing foil, the formation of brittle Fe2Ti and Ni3Ti compounds detrimental to the joint strength was greatly inhibited by using composite interlayer. The active Ti atoms in the liquid filler reacted with SiO2–BN ceramic to form a TiN–TiB2 fine-grain layer. The desired interfacial microstructure composed of layered Ag- and Cu-based solid solutions was obtained, which was beneficial for the joint strength. The shear strength of brazed joints was 207% higher than the joints brazed with single Ag–Cu–Ti foil when a 100 μm thick Cu interlayer was used. The inhibition of brittle compounds formation was attributed to the control of reaction sequences during brazing and to the addition of Cu barrier layer.