Braze joints of dispersion strengthened copper

Prior attempts to join alumina dispersion strengthened alloys (GlidCop) to itself, stainless steel (SS) and other materials have been less than successful. Typically these joints show low strength and poor ductility due to the segregation of alumina particles at the braze interface. This paper presents the results of a study undertaken to develop low activation brazing alloys, fluxes and processes for vacuum, argon and air environments to join alumina dispersion strengthened copper alloys to 304 SS. Vacuum and argon experiments were conducted using a Gleeble resistance heated system. Air brazing experiments were conducted in a resistance heated furnace with active fluxes. A reactive braze alloy composition has been developed which eliminates the segregation of Al2O3 particles at the braze interface and produces joints with excellent strength and ductility. Wetting and mechanical properties of the braze alloys were measured. Tensile properties, microstructure, microhardness and measurements of the compositional segregation across the braze joint are discussed. (orig.)