Microstructural Investigation of W-Cu Composite and 1Cr18Ni9 Stainless Steel Brazed Joint with Ag-Cu Filler Metal

Abstract

AbstractAbstract: Tungsten-copper (W-Cu) composite and 1Cr18Ni9 stainless steel were brazed with Ag-28wt%Cu brazing filler metal in a vacuum furnace, via controlling brazing temperature 855–865 °C and holding time 30 min. Microstructure, microhardness, four-point bend strength, element distribution and phase constituents near interface of the brazed joint, were investigated by a series of standard technique. Results indicated that Ag-Cu eutectic phase near W-Cu composite side and the bulk phase near 1Cr18Ni9 steel side were formed in the brazing seam region. Microhardness of the eutectic phase was low, while that of the bulk copper-rich phase was high. Four-point bend strength was as high as 576 MPa, and the fracture occurred at interface near 1Cr18Ni9 steel side. On the brazed interface, Cu and a little W element were transited from W-Cu composite into the brazing seam region, as same as Fe from 1Cr18Ni9 steel. Ag contained in the brazing filler metal was diffused into the W-Cu composite. Element concentration of Ag was high at interface of both two base metals, which was helpful to promote the metallurgical reaction. Phase constituents of the brazed joint were Cu(Ag, Fe), Ag(Cu) and a little of Ag0.7Fe0.3 and FeCu4, formed in the metallurgy of Fe from 1Cr18Ni9 steel and the Ag-Cu brazing filler metal.