Y2O3–Al2O3–SiO2-based glass-ceramic fillers for the laser-supported joining of SiC

Four glass-ceramic filler compositions within the Y2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 system were tested for their suitability in laser-supported joining of SiC materials. The compositions differed in terms of their primary crystallization behavior. Joint zone microstructures were investigated and joint tightness was determined using helium leak rate measurements after joining and subsequent annealing at 900 °C and 1050 °C. Yttria- and silica-rich compositions showed a partial crystallization of yttrium silicates during the short laser processing. Subsequent heat treatment effected further crystallization toward equilibrium conditions. Despite the strong change in the degree of crystallization no reduction of the tightness was observed for the best compositions; after 500 h annealing at 1050 °C tightness values of less than 10−8 mbar l s−1 were measured. These results demonstrate the potential of the investigated filler system for high temperature stable hermetic sealing. At the same time the creation of homogeneously structured joints from glass-ceramic fillers using a laser-supported technology needs the understanding of the crystallization kinetics.