Abstract Method of bonding together two members, one of which comprises zirconia. A mixture is prepared comprising an active metallic component such as titanium, zirconium, titanium hydride, or zirconium hydride, and a brazing metallic component such as silver, copper, gold, or the like. The mixture is applied to the region of the zirconia member to be bonded. The members are placed together in a contiguous relationship in the regions to be bonded. The members are then heated to above the melting point of the mixture in a non-oxidizing environment, such as in helium. After the members are bonded, they are cooled to an annealing temperature of the zirconia, and oxygen is slowly introduced into their environment. The oxygen makes up any deficiency of oxygen in the zirconia member resulting from the bonding procedure.
The method of claim 1 wherein said mixture is an eutectic mixture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said metallic component is zirconium.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said metallic component is titanium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said metallic component is zirconium hydride.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said metallic component is titanium hydride.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said members are maintained at the annealing temperature over about 4 hours.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said brazing compound comprises copper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said brazing compound comprises silver.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
81 words
In a method of bonding two members, at least one being zirconia, wherein said members are heated to above about 450* C in a non-oxidizing environment during the bonding procedure, the steps following the initial heating and bonding of said members comprising: a. holding said members at an annealing temperature of said zirconia; and, b. introducing oxygen into the environment thereof at said annealing temperature, whereby any oxygen deficiency in the zirconia is replenished without detrimental effects on the two members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10 wherein oxygen is introduced into the environment as atmospheric air.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the other member is stainless steel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the other member is zircaloy.