Laser induced reaction bonding of high temperature structural ceramics

Abstract

The paper describes the preliminary results of application of a new technique, laser induced reaction bonding (LIRB), to joining of ceramic to ceramic using a Ti-base reactive filler material. The laser energy is utilized to create the joint with optimized properties in air at high traverse speed (50-350 cm/min). The LIRB technique minimizes the residual thermal stresses and improves both expansion matching and strength characteristics through the evolution of appropriate phase structure in and around the joint region. The paper presents the operating conditions used for the CO2 laser system and a metallurgical evaluation of the joints, including metallography, energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) compositional analysis and scanning electron microscopy.The paper describes the preliminary results of application of a new technique, laser induced reaction bonding (LIRB), to joining of ceramic to ceramic using a Ti-base reactive filler material. The laser energy is utilized to create the joint with optimized properties in air at high traverse speed (50-350 cm/min). The LIRB technique minimizes the residual thermal stresses and improves both expansion matching and strength characteristics through the evolution of appropriate phase structure in and around the joint region. The paper presents the operating conditions used for the CO2 laser system and a metallurgical evaluation of the joints, including metallography, energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) compositional analysis and scanning electron microscopy.