PNNL

Abstract

A commercial aluminum foil was used to braze alumina plates in air. Although the outer surface of the aluminum oxidizes in air, the majority of the aluminum underneath remains unoxidized during brazing, allowing the ceramic pieces to be joined together with adequate strength. In fact, the joint exhibits a modest increase in bend strength when exposed to air at 850ºC for a prolonged period of time. Joint strength testing and subsequent examination of the fracture surfaces of the joints indicate that the joints are inherently ductile, even after long-term, high-temperature air exposure.