Effect of Ti on Microstructure and Properties of Tungsten Heavy Alloy Joint Brazed by CuAgTi Filler Metal

Abstract

In this paper, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were used to comprehensively analyze the microstructure and brazing performance of a CuAgTi filler metal with braze tungsten heavy alloys. The association of microstructure, wettability and shear strength of brazing joints was also investigated. With the addition of Ti, the Ti3Cu4 phase appeared in the microstructure of filler metal. Ti is active element that promotes the reaction of filler with tungsten. Therefore, the Ti element is enriched around tungsten and forms a Ti2Cu layer at the interface, leaving a Cu-rich/Ti-poor area on the side. Remaining Ti and Cu elements form the acicular Ti3Cu4 structure at the center of the brazing zone. The wettability of filler metal is improved, and the spreading area is increased from 120.3 mm2 to 320.9 mm2 with the addition of 10 wt.% Ti. The shear strength of joint reaches the highest level at a Ti content of 2.5 wt.%, the highest shear strength is 245.6 MPa at room temperature and 142.2 MPa at 400 °C.