Characterization of diffusion-bonded titanium alloy and 304 stainless steel with Ag as an interlayer

Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4 V plate was diffusion-bonded with AISI 304 stainless steel plate with silver foil as an intermediate layer at various temperatures for different holding periods. The appropriate process parameters have been investigated to achieve good quality joints. The microstructures formed in the diffusion region were observed and determined by optical microscopy. The microhardness across and perpendicular to the interface was measured, and the strength of the joints was also determined with lap shear test. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of intermetallic compounds present in interface regions. This paper focuses on the effect of process parameters on hardness, strength, and diffusion layer thickness of these dissimilar joints.