Flash joining of Y2O3 transparent ceramic to titanium alloy

Rapid connection at low temperatures is an urgent and continuous need for transparent ceramic applications, allowing for high-quality joints without compromising the strength of the base material. This study investigated the flash joining of yttrium oxide and Ti-6Al-4V in seconds with the assistance of a threshold electric field. The maximum shear strength reached 36 +/- 2 MPa at 900 celcius under a current density of 4 mA/mm2 for 180 s. During the flash joining, the applied electric field contributes to generating oxygen vacancies which combine with electrons from the cathode, and accumulate near the grain boundary to become micropores, reacting with atom/ ionic rapidly due to the effect of Joule heating and electromigration. This work summarizes flash joining as a process in which electric field and current act together, and applies it to transparent ceramic and metal connections. This research provides important insights for ceramic-alloy flash joining, such as transparent ceramic to titanium alloy interconnects.