Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
To improve the strength of brazed joints, a TiN-coated layer was introduced as an interlayer and reaction barrier for ceramic-ceramic joints. Al2O3, Si3N4, and ZrO2 ceramics were brazed with a Ag–Cu–In–Ti alloy after a TiN coating was applied on the ceramic substrates. The strength of as-brazed and thermally treated Al2O3 specimens with a TiN coating was found to be equivalent to that of bulk Al2O3. However, the Si3N4 and ZrO2 systems showed a significant reduction in joint strength. The difference in the strength can be explained on the basis of the bond strength of the coating, the reaction products, and residual stress developed at the joint interfaces.