PNNL

Abstract

In this chapter, we present the strength and failure modes of reactive NanoFoil® bonded joints for similar and dissimilar lightweight materials. NanoFoil® is a multi-layer foil fabricated through the growth of thousands of nanoscale layers of aluminum and nickel by vapor deposition. Initiated by an energy impulse, the like-like bonds of the atoms of each layer in the foil are exchanged for more stable unlike bonds between atoms from neighboring layers. As the atoms of each layer mix, heat is generated, creating a self-sustaining reaction traveling along the length of the foil. The instantaneous release of heat energy by this reaction is controlled by the nanolayer thickness and lay-up, such that accurate control of a highly localized heat source can be realized, allowing bonding without compromising the properties/integrities of the base materials. First, solder and braze joints for similar and dissimilar material combinations of steel, aluminum and magnesium are fabricated. Static bond strength tests under tensile shear loading condition are then performed to quantify the bond strength for different material combinations. The through-thickness microstructure changes and modifications by the bonding process are quantified using SEM. Depending on the base material combinations, it is shown that the nanofoil bond strength is comparable to those of the conventional structural adhesive bonds.