Diffusion bonding, brazing and resistance welding of zirconium alloys: a review

Abstract

The joining of zirconium alloys is an important issue in the field of nuclear energy since zirconium alloys are often used as nuclear fuel cladding tube. The article reviews the research progress on the diffusion bonding, brazing and resistance welding of zirconium alloys. The main focus of this work is on the process parameters, interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of joint. For diffusion bonding, the process parameters including temperature and interlayer have significant influence on the properties of joint. The range of temperature and the selection of interlayer was reviewed and the influence of them on interfacial microstructure and properties of joints was also discussed. For brazing, the influence of brazing filler, temperature and holding time on the properties of joint was summarized. For resistance welding, the main process parameters include welding current and contact resistance. Numerical simulation method was often used to describe the influence of process parameters on microstructure during welding end plug with cladding tube. Some suggestions for the further research direction on the welding and joining of zirconium alloys were also proposed.

Keywords

• Diffusion bonding
• Brazing
• Resistance welding
• Zirconium alloys