Joining of carbon/carbon composites for nuclear applications

Using hot pressing, carbon/carbon composites were joined using a Ti ₃SiC₂/SiC interlayer which was in situ synthesized by the reaction of TiC and Si. Phase composition of the interlayer was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Morphologies of the joints before and after shear test were determined by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The mechanical strength of the joints was assessed by shear strength test. Phase analysis reveals that the interlayer was mainly composed of ternary Ti ₃SiC₂, SiC, and little TiC. The microstructure observation results show that the dense and uniform interlayer adheres firmly to the C/C composites. A composition gradient reaction layer was formed at the joining interface between C/C substrates and interlayer. The room temperature average shear strength of the joints is about 38.9 ± 3.6 MPa. The joining mechanism and failure behavior of the joints were also discussed.