Refractory Brazing of Carbon Bodies Using Silicon Carbide Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current brazing techniques for carbonaceous parts in microelectronics and solar photovoltaics are inadequate due to the use of metallic elements in solders, which are not suitable for very pure silicon environments, and lack control over silicon infiltration during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A refractory brazing process using silicon as the braze material, where carbonaceous parts are assembled with a silicon element under pressure and heated to form a continuous silicon carbide joint, ensuring all silicon is transformed into SiC, eliminating residual silicon and achieving a pure SiC solder suitable for high-temperature applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic elements are used in solders for brazing carbonaceous parts, then the brazing process can be performed with conventional materials, but the solder purity is insufficient for very pure silicon environments such as microelectronics and solar photovoltaics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolder purityVSAvoidbrazing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the solder from metallic elements to silicon-based materials (silicon powder, silicon carbide powder, and/or silane). This parameter change enables the solder to be compatible with very pure silicon environments while maintaining brazing functionality through silicon carbide formation at the carbon-silicon interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces silicon carbide as an intermediary reaction product between silicon and carbonaceous parts. This intermediary forms a compatible interface that bonds carbonaceous parts while being pure enough for microelectronics and solar photovoltaic applications, resolving the contradiction between conventional brazing ease and solder purity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If silicon infiltration is allowed to proceed without control, then the brazing process is simpler, but the infiltration depth is uncontrolled and may compromise part integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidinfiltration depth control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-coating the carbonaceous parts with a specific composition (silicon powder, silicon carbide powder, and/or silane) before the brazing process. This preliminary coating controls the subsequent silicon infiltration depth, preventing excessive penetration while ensuring complete interface coverage, thus maintaining both process simplicity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes porous silicon-based coatings on carbonaceous parts to control infiltration. The porous structure allows controlled silicon penetration to a desired depth while the coating composition and porosity can be adjusted to achieve precise infiltration control, balancing process simplicity with manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process allows for precise control of silicon infiltration, forming a pure silicon carbide joint over the entire interface, compatible with temperatures up to 2000°C, and is devoid of residual silicon, making it suitable for severe environments in microelectronics and solar photovoltaics.

Implementation Method 1

when liquid silicon is brought into contact with a carbonaceous material, a layer of silicon carbide is formed by reaction at their interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the growth of which is limited by the diffusion of carbon in its thickness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

maintaining the cohesive assembly under the effect of a pressure and subjecting it to heating at a temperature varying from 1410°C to 1500°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

to melt the silicon and form a seal containing at least one silicon carbide bridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2326606B1Method for assembling carbon bodies trhough refractory brazing
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2326606B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of assembling carbon parts using a braze based on silicon carbide. The invention also relates to the parts assembled using such a method.