Microstructure and mechanical properties of diffusion bonded titanium/304 stainless steel joint with pure Ag interlayer

In the present study, diffusion bonding of commercially pure titanium to 304 stainless steel (SS) using a pure Ag interlayer was carried out. It is found that the pure Ag interlayer can effectively block the interdiffusion and interaction between Ti and SS. The resultant joints were composed of Ti substrate, Ti-Ag solid solution, TiAg intermetallic phase, the remnant Ag interlayer and SS. Upon tensile loading, fracture took place through the remnant Ag interlayer, indicating that the TiAg intermetallic phase exhibits no detrimental effect on the strength of the joints. A maximum tensile strength of 421 MPa was achieved, which is notably improved compared with previous results. Furthermore, extensive dimples were observed on the fracture surfaces, clearly indicating that the joints were ductile in nature.