Development of Gas Assisted Bonding

Purpose and goal:

The overarching purpose of this project is to research and develop a novel joining method based on Chemical Vapor Transfer (CVT) technology. The goal is to deliver the research foundations and proof-of-concepts needed to initiate industrial R&D. A large portion of Swedish manufacturing industry need efficient brazing to join their material systems. In this project, we will investigate an innovative way of joining, which is both resource efficient and promote decarbonization technology.

Expected results and effects:

Learn about the fundamental principles of introducing melting point depressant elements as gaseous species to enable high performing and homogeneous joints. Build the understanding, and establish solutions, for eliminating the surface oxide, or its ability to hinder wetting, thus allowing metal-to-metal bonding. Confirm the innovative Gas Assisted Bonding process as a viable joining method in a lab environment thus fostering future research in a move towards industrial implementation.

Approach and implementation:

We will synthesize nano-particles of industrially relevant alloys and conduct experiments in an in-situ transmission electron microscope and synchrotron beamlines. The experiments will elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions between gas-phase melting point depressants and the metals, and between gas-phase oxide removers and metal oxides. Thermodynamic models will help us to find the right materials and describe the phenomena.