Brazing mechanisms of the Ti2AlC joints using a pure Al filler metal

Brazing of Ti2AlC ceramics has been successfully performed using a pure Al filler metal, in the temperature range 1023 K-1173 K and with holding time ranging from 0 to 30 min. The microstructure of the Ti2AlC joints was studied, and the mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated by shear strength test. It is observed that the Al filler has weak effect on the stability of Ti2AlC substrate, and only a small amount of decomposition products including the TiCx and TiAl3 compounds can be observed in the joints. In addition, the formation of an inter-diffusion layer in the Ti2AlC substrate is considered as the major brazing mechanism. The maximum shear strength of the Ti2AlC joints using the pure Al filler metal is 95 MPa, with an electrical conductivity of 2.21×106 S m−1, after holding the sample at 1123 K for 10 min.