Microstructure and mechanical properties evaluation of diffusion bonded joints of titanium to AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel

In this study, diffusion bonding between titanium and AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel by Ag interlayer was investigated. In order to carry out this research, samples prepared after surface preparation were placed inside the fixture and placed at the temperatures of 750,800 and 850 °C in the 30,60 and 90 min in the furnace under argon protective gas. The phase transformation and microstructure of diffusion bonding interfaces of the joints were studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Then, the hardness of the samples was measured using a hardness test apparatus. Finally, the samples were tested after being placed in the shear strength test holder using a pressure test device and the shear strength of the samples was measured. Examination of optical microscopic images shows the diffusion of silver in titanium and the partial diffusion of silver in stainless steel. On the other hand, increasing the temperature increases the diffusion region as well as increasing the grain size in the specimens. SEM images from the samples also confirmed the diffusion of silver in titanium and partially diffusion into stainless steel. The results of the XRD test on the samples showed that the temperature rise to 800 °C leads to the formation of TiAg and Ag3Fe2 intermetallic compounds, which the existence of TiAg intermetallic compound increases the hardness of the sample. For this reason, the sample at 800 °C showed the highest hardness. The shear strength of the samples showed that the increase in temperature increased the shear strength of the samples and decreased the shear strength by increasing the temperature above 850 ° C due to the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds.