Brazing copper to alumina using reactive CuAgTi alloys

The purpose of this work was to describe and discuss the fundamental issues involved in reactive brazing of alumina to copper by CuAgTi alloys. The method used to bring the Ti to the CuAg braze enabled the Ti concentration in the braze to be varied to a large extent (from 0.8 to 6 wt.%). It was then possible to study the effects of this parameter on the interfacial chemistry and joint microstructure, as well as on the mechanical performance of the brazing joints, characterized by tensile tests. The mechanical strength of metal/alumina joints processed by reactive brazing was also compared with data obtained using a standard metallization process. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.