Method of making a composite interlayer for diffusion bonding

Claim 2

A process for producing a ductile lamellar interlayer containing a melt depressant useful in the transient liquid phase bonding of metallic articles which includes the steps of: a. providing a plurality of ductile lamellae having an overall composition which is similar to that of the articles being joined (exclusive of the melting point depressant), b. bonding the lamellae together by co-rolling to produce a unitary ductile interlayer, c. applying boron to the surface of the bonded lamellae by a boronizing process.

Claim 3

A process for producing a ductile lamellar interlayer, useful in the transient liquid phase bonding of metallic articles, containing a melting point depressant, and containing combinations of elements which form brittle phases, which includes the steps of: a. providing a ductile lamellar substrate, with each ductile lamella being free from those combinations of elements which form significant amounts of brittle phases, b. depositing at least one adherent coating on the surface of the lamellar substrate, and coating containing boron.

Claim 4

A process for producing a ductile lamellar interlayer, useful in the transient liquid phase bonding of metallic articles, containing a melting point depressant, and containing combinations of elements which form brittle phases, which includes the steps of: a. providing a ductile lamellar substrate, with each ductile lamella being free from those combinations of elements which form significant amounts of brittle phases, b. depositing at least one adherent coating on the surface of the lamellar substrate, and coating containing boron.

Claim 5

A process as in claim 2 wherein the deposition process involves electroplating.

Claim 6

A process as in claim 2 wherein the deposition process involves electroless plating.

Claim 7

A process as in claim 2 wherein the deposition process involves vapor deposition.

Claim 8

A process as in claim 1 in which the overall ductile interlayer composition is nickel base and the total aluminum content exceeds 4%.

Claim 9

A process as in claim 2 in which the overall ductile interlayer composition is nickel base and the total aluminum content exceeds 4%.

Claim 10

A process as in claim 1 in which at least one of the lamellae contains at least one material taken from the group consisting of hafnium, chromium, tantalum, columbium, zirconium and tungsten, with said at least one lamellae being substantially free from carbon, and at least one other of the lamellae contains carbon.

Claim 11

A process as in claim 2 in which at least one of the lamellae contains at least one material taken from the group consisting of hafnium, chromium, tantalum, columbium, zirconium and tungsten, with said at least one lamellae being substantially free from carbon, and at least one other of the lamellae contains carbon.