Solid-state bonding of reactive systems, such as Si3N4-Mo often results in
the formation of excessively thick intermetallic layers that can be detrime
ntal to the final strength of the joint. The objective of this work was to
study the microstructural evolution of Si3N4-Mo interfaces, aiming at maxim
um joint strength via a balance between the fraction of bonded material and
the amount of interfacial reaction. Joining was carried out under vacuum o
r nitrogen atmosphere for temperatures between 1100 and 1800 degrees C. Mic
rostructural analyses of the interfaces revealed the presence of Mo3Si and
Mo5Si3 along with residual pores. The results from shear strength tests rev
ealed a strong relationship between the microstructure of the interface and
the mechanical strength of the joint. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Limited. A
ll rights reserved.