DAMAGES AND CRACKS IN CERAMIC METAL INTERFACES/

When metal/ceramic junctions are achieved by solid state bonding proce ss, damages and cracks are often observed near by the interface. This paper focuses on the mechanical origin of the embrittlement. The main causes are: - residual stresses due to the mismatch in the mechanical properties of the materials to be joined - friction of metal on the ce ramic surface at the interface during bonding - decrease of the toughn ess of the ceramic close to the interface consecutively to the diffusi on of the metallic specie into the ceramic.