INTERFACE STRENGTHS IN A ZRO2/AG-CU-AL-TI SYSTEM

Abstract

Interface strengths of ceramic/metal joints were investigated using the brazed ZrO2/Ag-Cu-Al-Ti joints prepared under various processing conditions. Interface microstructures and chemistries were investigated using optical microscopy, SEM, X-ray, AES and correlated with flexural strength measurements obtained from the four point bend tests. The amount of segregated S and the thickness of brittle TiO/Al2O3 layers at the interface were found to be the major factors affecting the interface strength.