Microstructure and mechanical properties of a C/C-Cu joint developed for plasma facing components

In the interface region of C/C-Cu joints different microstructures are developed dependent on the amount of wetting agent employed during fabrication. Two C/C-Cu Joints containing different amounts of wetting agent were investigated by SEM and XRD measurements. Elemental maps were created to further determine the distribution of the occurring phases. To determine the fracture toughness of the samples 3-point bending tests were performed and the fracture surfaces were examined. The two samples show different crack paths which can be related to the found microstructures. (Abstract Copyright [2006], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)