Diffusion bonding of silicon carbide and silicon nitride to austenitic stainless steel

In this paper the results are reported of a study dealing with diffusion bonding of silicon carbide and silicon nitride (both reaction-bonded and hot-pressed) to austenitic stainless steel (type AISI 316). Experiments were carried out in high vacuum (in the range of 10-3-10-4 Pa) and in an inert gas atmosphere (95 vol% Ar, 5 vol% H2), at temperatures between 1000 and 1300deg C and at various pressures. It was found that under specific conditions the steel could be bonded to both grades of silicon nitride. It was not possible, however, to produce an acceptable bond between steel and silicon carbide. The bonded combinations were tested mechanically by means of shear strength testing. It was found that the higher the process temperature or the longer the process time the stronger the bond. (orig.)