Ceramic/metal joining for structural applications

Technological advances are extending the applications for bonded ceramic-metal components and demanding more rigorous performance characteristics. The techniques available for fabricating high–integrity joints for structural applications have been reviewed and attention is drawn to the factors that effect both direct and indirect bonding using liquid– and solid–phase materials. Two processes still largely in the developmental stage – fusion welding and diffusion bonding – have been considered, as well as the more established processes such as brazing. It is suggested that active metal brazing and indirect diffusion bonding will be among the techniques to be further developed and used more extensively in future.MST/205