Vacuum brazing Zircaloy-2 alloy with a clad 60Ti-25Ni-15Nb filler

Abstract

Application of clad 60Ti–25Ni–15Nb foil to braze Zircaloy-2 alloy has been evaluated. The presence of brittle NiZr2/NiTiZr intermetallics deteriorates average shear strength of the Zircaloy-2/60Ti–25Ni–15Nb/Zircaloy-2 joint. These intermetallic phases are dissolved into the substrate if raising the vacuum brazing temperature and time. The maximum bonding strength of 365 MPa is achieved for joint vacuum brazing at 1200 °C for 3600 s featured with ductile fractograph after shear test. It shows potential for future application.