Microwave-assisted alumina-zirconia brazed joint for microwave tubes

Abstract

Alumina-zirconia joint was fabricated by microwave-assisted brazing technique at 980 °C for 15 min using TICUSIL (68.8Ag26.7Cu4.5Ti in wt%) as the brazing alloy. The brazed joints were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Vickers microhardness evaluation, brazing strength measurement, and helium leak test. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of Ti-based compounds at the substrate-filler alloy interfaces of the brazed joints. SEM images showed the substrate-filler alloy interfaces of the brazed joints. The EDX analysis determined the elemental compositions along the joint cross-section. Vickers microhardness measurement indicated reliable joint performance for the microwave-assisted brazed joints during actual application. Brazing strength measurement and helium leak test proved the formation of sound alumina-zirconia brazed joint by both microwave and conventional heating techniques. Scratch tests were performed on the cross-sectional surfaces of the alumina-zirconia joints. Scratch test results established the strong interfacial strength of the microwave brazed joints.