SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
BRAZING FOR FURNACE COMPONENTS
Technical Abstract:
In this program Materials Resources Inc. will demonstrate brazing of graphite to alumina,
graphite to TZM, and TZM to alumina using our propritary WideGap technique for
experimental furnace fabrication. CTE mismatches between these dissimilar materials
result in high thermal joining stresses that create a weak brazed joint. Most common braze
alloys also contain active elements which are very reactive and form a unstable compound
which can limit the joint life. Our innovative WideGap uses a braze material (without
any active transition elements) consisting of a filler braze metal and an additive material
with melting temperature higher than the braze temperature. Proper selection of the braze
filler and the additive materials will tailor the CTE gradient and thickness of the braze, and
eliminate formation of unstable compounds and therefore minimize the thermal stresses.
We will also investigate diffusion barrier coatings on graphite (e.g. TiN, Ti(CN), HfN and
B4C) stable upto 1273 K to enhance wetting of the braze.
In the Phase I program, we will develop graphite to alumina, graphite to TZM, and TZM to
alumina joints. The joints will be characterized for strength, thermal cycling and electrical
resistivity.
Potential Commercial Applications:
The commercial applications for WideGap brazing are in areas of joining dissimilar
materials for electronics packaging, thermal management, propulsion systems in launch
vehicles, actively cooled structures and heat exchangers. In addition commercial
application also exist in bio-medical x-ray tubes (over $800 million/per year), fabrication
and repair of tubes for chemical and power industry (over $ 1.5 billion per year). Other
major applications include braze healing of turbine blades for jet engines and dissimilar
materials joining of turbine components.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Materials Resources Inc.
1162 Horseshoe Drive
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The SBIR/STTR EMS site is maintained by Steve
Hu, Hughes STX.
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996