Effect of Zr and Cu Elements on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Brazed TC4 Honeycombs

GUO Chenjun; SUN Yixiang; PEI Yinyin; QIN Jian; LI Wenbin; MA Yunwu

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2025.06.003

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Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (6) : 26-35. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2025.06.003

Precision Brazing

Effect of Zr and Cu Elements on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Brazed TC4 Honeycombs

GUO Chenjun¹, SUN Yixiang^1*, PEI Yinyin¹, QIN Jian¹, LI Wenbin¹, MA Yunwu²

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Abstract

The work aims to study the effect of Cu and Zr contents on the microstructure and properties of TC4 honeycombs brazed by Ti-Zr-Cu-Ni brazing filler metal. Through characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, and mechanical testing, it was found that the brazed joints primarily consisted of α-Ti + β-Ti and intermetallic compounds (IMCs) such as (Ti,Zr)₂(Cu,Ni). With the increase in Cu and Zr contents, the erosion of the base material by the filler metal intensified. High-Cu filler metals tended to segregate and form IMCs such as Ti₂Cu at the interface between the base material and the brazing seam, while high-Zr filler metals were prone to forming IMCs such as Zr₂Ni and Zr₂Cu throughout the brazing seam and fillet regions, thereby affecting the mechanical properties of the joints. Zr diffused more readily into the base material than Cu, forming IMCs. By adjusting the Cu and Zr contents, the formation of IMCs could be optimized, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the joints. Mechanical testing results showed that the maximum pull-off strength of Cu-rich filler metals was 22.0 MPa, while the maximum shear strength of Zr-rich filler metals was 6.9 MPa. This is attributed to the tendency of Cu-rich filler metals to form Ti₂Cu and Zr-rich filler metals to form Zr₂Ni and Zr₂Cu. These IMCs alleviate post-welding residual stress and hinder crack propagation, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the brazed joints.

Key words

Ti6Al4V alloy / brazing / honeycomb structure / microstructure evolution / mechanical properties

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GUO Chenjun, SUN Yixiang, PEI Yinyin, QIN Jian, LI Wenbin, MA Yunwu. Effect of Zr and Cu Elements on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Brazed TC4 Honeycombs[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering. 2025, 17(6): 26-35 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2025.06.003

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