Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of ultrasonic-assisted brazing joints between Ti–6Al–4V and ZrO2

Abstract Ultrasonic-assisted brazing (28.8 kHz, 180 W) was introduced to achieve high-quality joints between Ti–6Al–4V alloy and ZrO2 ceramic with Al-5wt.%Si brazing filler in air. The interfacial microstructure of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and the phase constitution of joints ultrasonic-assisted brazed at 700 °C for different ultrasonic time were investigated in detail using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer. When the ultrasonic time was 20s, the average shear strength of the joint reached a maximum value of 90.68MPa and two important types of IMCs Ti(Al,Si)3 and Ti7Al5Si12 formed at the interface between the Ti–6Al–4V and the filler. Ultrasonic played a vital role in the formation of Si segregation regions at the interface near the Ti–6Al–4V and in the centre of the joint. A change in the Ti molar fraction, resulting from the cavitation effect of ultrasonic on the surface of Ti–6Al–4V, increased the chemical potential gradient of Si across the joint. Meanwhile, driven by the ultrasonic standing wave field in the liquid Al-5wt.%Si filler, Si atoms moved to the ultrasonic antinode-plane spontaneously. Ultrasonic-assisted brazing proved to be an effective method of joining Ti–6Al–4V and ZrO2 with Al-5wt.%Si filler.