Microstructure and mechanical properties of MoSi2–MoSi2 joints brazed by Ag–Cu–Zr interlayer

Highlights: ► Brazing of MoSi2–MoSi2 using Ag–Cu–Zr interlayer at different temperatures. ► Investigation of shear strength and microstructure of the joint by SEM and XRD. ► Formation of Ag-rich solid solution and various Cu–Zr–Si intermetallic compounds. ► Maximum shear strength for the sample with 830 °C brazing temperature. ► Various fracture path and morphology at different brazing temperatures. - Abstract: The present work investigates joining of two MoSi2 parts through Cusil/Zr/Cusil interlayer with Cusil being a commercial eutectic of Cu–Ag alloy. The joining operation was implemented in an inert gas tube furnace by brazing. The brazing temperature ranged from 800 to 930 °C while the operation lasted for 60 min. Evaluation of joints strength through shear loading identified the maximum strength 60.31 MPa for the brazed sample at 830 °C. Interfacial microstructure was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Applying the temperature of 830 °C was led to a uniform dense joint consisting of various phases with excellent bonding within the interfaces. XRD and EDS results revealed different phases such as Mo5Si3, Ag-rich solid solution and Cu10Zr7 at the interface. At higher brazing temperatures the amount of intemetallic compounds and residual stresses increased and therefore, mechanical properties of the joint degraded. The fracture analysis by SEM revealed various fracture path and morphology for different brazing temperatures