Analytical Investigation on the Evolution and Growth of β-Ti and Fe-Nb-Based Intermetallics in Diffusion Coupled Joints of Ti6Al4V|Nb|SS

Herein, solid-state diffusion-coupled joints (DCJs) were prepared in vacuum between stainless steel (SS) and Ti6Al4V by means of a pure niobium (Nb) interlayer (~200-μm thickness) using uni-axial compressive pressure of 4 MPa at 875 °C for 15 to 120 min. Interfacial characterization revealed the existence of successive layer wise Fe–Nb-based intermetallics like FeNb+(Nb) and Fe2Nb at Nb|SS interfaces of DCJs processed from 60 to 120 min, but the DCJs processed for shorter duration (from 15 to 30 min) do not reveal any intermetallics; however, the DCJs processed for 45 min revealed a single reaction layer of FeNb whereas that of Ti6Al4V|Nb interfaces revealed solid solution behaviour for all bonding time intervals. Required chemical analysis (in at. pct) of the reaction products was found out using spectroscope and X-ray diffractometer. Mechanical characterization (at 32 °C) of the DCJs was carried out with a microhardness tester and tensile testing facility. Ti6Al4V|Nb interface experienced a hardness of ~298 HV (for all bonding time), whereas Nb|SS interface experienced ~200 HV for 15 and 30 min and ~650 HV for 45 min and longer. DCJs treated for 60 min have better strength properties. Manifestation of reaction layers: FeNb, FeNb+(Nb), and Fe2Nb have significant effect on the strength. From the interfacial microhardness, path and surface of fracture surfaces characterizations, it was revealed that failure of the DCJs was transmitted seemingly along Nb|SS interfaces. The analytical finding of intrinsic diffusivity of Ti atoms in Nb along Ti6Al4V|Nb interface is higher by one order of magnitude than the diffusivity results of Fe atoms in Nb along the Nb|SS interface. Experimental evidences show that the growth of the reaction products along Ti6Al4V|Nb interface (adj. R-Square=0.982) and Nb|SS interface (adj. R-Square=0.999) follows a parabolic law. Recently, researchers considered diffusion coupling as the key technology to fabricate Ti|Al|Al-Cf biomimetic structure, graphite|Nb|Cu for fusion reactor devices, Ni|Ni3Al for MEMS applications, hybrid heat exchangers for nuclear applications, etc.