Wettability and microstructural evolution of copper filler in W and EUROFER brazed joints
Ignacio Izaguirre,
Javier de Prado,
María Sánchez
et al.
Abstract:In terms of wettability, active systems are characterized by a reduction in interfacial energy as the time at specific conditions is increased. This article aims to investigate the evolution of wettability and microstructure, which undergoes a critical transformation at temperatures and dwell times near brazing conditions due to their significant impact on resultant mechanical properties. The objective is to enhance wettability and prevent the formation of different phases that can occur rapidly within the bra… Show more
“…On the other hand, the use of liquid state joining techniques usually reports higher interactions at the bonding interfaces. For example, I. Izaguirre et al reported copper penetration of the EUROFER97 grain boundary at the ERUFOER97/braze interface and the formation of a reaction layer at the W–braze interface, giving rise to a more complex microstructure [ 32 , 33 ].…”
The European Fusion Reactor (DEMO, Demonstration Power Plant) relies significantly on joining technologies in its design. Current research within the EUROfusion framework focuses on developing materials for the first wall and divertor applications, emphasizing the need for suitable joining processes, particularly for tungsten. The electric field-assisted sintering technique (FAST) emerges as a promising alternative due to its high current density, enabling rapid heating and cooling rates for fast sintering or joining. In this study, FAST was employed to join tungsten and EUROFERE97 steel, the chosen materials for the first wall, using 50-µm-thick Cu foils as interlayers. Three distinct joining conditions were tested at 980 °C for 2, 5, and 9 min at 41.97 MPa to optimize joint properties and assess FAST parameters influence. Hardness measurements revealed values around 450 HV0.1 for tungsten, 100 HV0.1 for copper, and 390 HV0.1 for EUROFER97 under all joining conditions. Increasing bonding time improved joint continuity along the EUROFER97/Cu and W/Cu interfaces. Notably, the 5 min bonding time resulted in the highest shear strength, while the 9 min sample exhibited reduced strength, possibly due to Kirkendall porosity accumulation at the EUROFER97/Cu interface. This porosity facilitated crack initiation and propagation, diminishing interfacial adhesion properties.
“…On the other hand, the use of liquid state joining techniques usually reports higher interactions at the bonding interfaces. For example, I. Izaguirre et al reported copper penetration of the EUROFER97 grain boundary at the ERUFOER97/braze interface and the formation of a reaction layer at the W–braze interface, giving rise to a more complex microstructure [ 32 , 33 ].…”
The European Fusion Reactor (DEMO, Demonstration Power Plant) relies significantly on joining technologies in its design. Current research within the EUROfusion framework focuses on developing materials for the first wall and divertor applications, emphasizing the need for suitable joining processes, particularly for tungsten. The electric field-assisted sintering technique (FAST) emerges as a promising alternative due to its high current density, enabling rapid heating and cooling rates for fast sintering or joining. In this study, FAST was employed to join tungsten and EUROFERE97 steel, the chosen materials for the first wall, using 50-µm-thick Cu foils as interlayers. Three distinct joining conditions were tested at 980 °C for 2, 5, and 9 min at 41.97 MPa to optimize joint properties and assess FAST parameters influence. Hardness measurements revealed values around 450 HV0.1 for tungsten, 100 HV0.1 for copper, and 390 HV0.1 for EUROFER97 under all joining conditions. Increasing bonding time improved joint continuity along the EUROFER97/Cu and W/Cu interfaces. Notably, the 5 min bonding time resulted in the highest shear strength, while the 9 min sample exhibited reduced strength, possibly due to Kirkendall porosity accumulation at the EUROFER97/Cu interface. This porosity facilitated crack initiation and propagation, diminishing interfacial adhesion properties.
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