Joining of Hypereutectic Al-50Si Alloys Using Lead-Free Brazing Filler Glass in Air

Abstract

Hypereutectic Al-Si alloys are attractive materials in the fields of electronic packaging and aerospace. A Bi2O3-ZnO-B2O3 system lead-free brazing filler glass was employed to braze hypereutectic Al-50Si alloys in air. The hypereutectic Al-50Si alloys were pre-oxidized and the low-temperature glass powder was flake-shaped in the brazing process. The effects of brazing temperature and time on joints microstructure evolution, resulting mechanical strength, and air tightness were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the maximum shear strength of the joint was 34.49 MPa and leakage rate was 1.0 × 10−10 Pa m3/s at a temperature of 495 °C for 30 min. Crystalline phases, including Bi24B2O39 and Bi2O3, were generated in the glass joint. The formation of a diffusion transition layer with a thickness of 3 μm, including elements of Al, Si, Zn, Bi, Na, and B, was the key to form an effective joint. The elements of Al, Si, and Bi had a short diffusion distance while the elements of Zn, Na, and B diffused in a long way under brazing condition.