Microstructural Characterization of Diffusion Bonds Assisted by Ni/Ti Nanolayers

The microstructure of similar and dissimilar diffusion bonds of metallic materials using reactive Ni/Ti interlayers was studied in this investigation. The base material surfaces were modified by sputter deposition of alternated Ni and Ti nanolayers. These nanolayers increase the diffusivity at the interface, enhancing the bonding process. Bonding experiments were performed at 800 °C under a pressure of 10 MPa with a bonding time of 60 min. The reaction zone was characterized by high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Microstructural characterization reveals that similar (NiTi to NiTi and TiAl to TiAl) and dissimilar (NiTi to Ti6Al4V and TiAl to stainless steel) joints can be obtained successfully with Ni/Ti reactive nanolayers. The interfaces are thin (