The Effect of Vacuum Brazing Time on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V to 316L Dissimilar Joint Using BNi-2 Filler Metal

Abstract

Due to the distinct differences in physical and metallurgical properties, it is hard to join titanium alloys to stainless steels directly via conventional welding processes. In this research, the grade 5 titanium alloy was subjected to brazing with austenitic stainless steel through the vacuum furnace, and the process was conducted above the β transition temperature (BTT). In order to reduce brittle intermetallic formation, a nickel base filler metal (Ni-6.6Cr-4.5Si-3B) was employed under a vacuum condition, and the effect of time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints was investigated. The brazing temperature led to the thickening of the interface to 400 µm, toward the titanium alloy, and the FeTi formed adjacent to the diffusion affected zone (DAZ). Moreover, the isothermal solidified zone (ISZ) widened during the whole process, which, led to higher dissolution of the titanium base metal in the ISZ. Because of the widening of the interfaces, there were no Ni-rich compounds or residual filler metal in this region. SEM result showed that TiB strengthening borides, which were distributed after 45 minutes, and this evolution caused an increase in the shear strength of the joint up to 67 MPa. Fractography analyses and XRD results of the fractured surfaces revealed that the Ti2Ni phase, which formed in the athermaly solidified zone (ASZ) during a two-step solidification reaction, caused the brittle fracture in all joints.