Formation mechanism of interfacial microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti₂AlNb/Ni-based superalloy joints brazed with NiCrFeSiB filler metal

Dissimilar brazing of Ti₂AlNb-based alloy and Ni-based wrought superalloy (GH536) was studied using NiCrFeSiB filler metal. The Ti₂AlNb/GH536 joints were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation mechanism of interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti₂AlNb/GH536 joints were studied. The results indicated that Ti₂Ni(Al,Nb), AlNi₂Ti and TiB₂ reaction layers were formed in the joint adjacent to Ti₂AlNb base metal. These layers resulted in high micro-hardness and the weak link of the joint. γ solid solution was formed through isothermal solidification and β₁-Ni₃Si phase precipitated in the γ solid solution during cooling process. Ni₃B, β₁-Ni₃Si and CrB phases appeared in the centre of the joint. Blocky and needle-like borides formed within the diffusion affected zone of GH536 base alloy. The maximum tensile strength of Ti₂AlNb/GH536 joints reached 425 ​MPa ​at room temperature and the strength value of 373 ​MPa was maintained at 923 ​K.