Factors governing interfacial reactions in liquid metal/non-oxide ceramic systems: Ni-based alloy–Ti/sintered AlN system

Wetting of ceramics by liquid metals is often promoted using alloying elements which form at the interface, by reaction with the ceramic, continuous layers of a better wetted compound. These layers can, in turn, improve or be detrimental to the mechanical performance of the interface, depending on their microstructure and thickness.The aim of this investigation is to determine the factors governing the growth kinetics in metal/non-oxide ceramic systems in which strong reactivity is often observed. The study system consists of a predominantly covalent ceramic, AlN, and a Ni-based liquid alloy containing Ti. Experiments are performed by varying the temperature, Ti content of the alloy and level of vacuum in the furnace. Point experiments were also carried out for a Au based alloy–Ti/AlN and AgZr/AlN couples.