Evaluation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of diffusion bonded joints of titanium to stainless steel with a pure silver interlayer

Solid-state diffusion bonding of commercially pure titanium to 304 stainless steel using an Ag interlayer was carried out at 825–875 °C under a uniaxial pressure of 8 MPa for 20 min in vacuum. The microstructural observations revealed that the resultant joints were composed of the remnant Ag interlayer, TiAg intermetallic phase and Ti–Ag solid solution. An optimized bonding strength of up to 414 MPa was achieved. Fracture took place through the remnant Ag interlayer during tensile tests and the interfacial TiAg phase exhibited no detrimental effect on the bonding strength. Extensive dimples were observed on the fracture surfaces, indicating that the joints were ductile in nature.