| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T22: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Development in Light Weight Alloys and Composites
|
| Presentation Title |
Recent Developments in Flux-Free Brazing of Aluminum Alloys |
| Author(s) |
Andreas Kulovits, Harry Zonker, Michael Danz, Marvin Goins |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Andreas Kulovits |
| Abstract Scope |
Aluminum brazing is a joining technology that uses a low melting point aluminum alloy filler metal that is metallurgically bonded to a higher melting point substrate alloy. During brazing, materials are heated above the melting temperature of the filler metal. Joint formation occurs by capillary action. Challenges during brazing of aluminum alloys constitute the native grown Al2O3 and the wetting behavior of liquid Al. Mass production of heat exchangers in controlled atmosphere brazing furnaces uses a flux to remove Al2O3 and enable surface wetting which degrades internal cleanliness. Drives to electrification of automotive vehicles and fuel cells, require ultraclean cooling systems to avoid performance detriment. Efforts are being undertaken to minimize flux. We will explain requirements for brazing in inert atmosphere with residual oxygen without flux. We introduce the concept of alloying additions to brazing sheet that enable flux-free brazing. The, remaining scientific and engineering challenges will be discussed. |