Abstract:Using Zn−Al filler metal with Al content of 2%−22% (mass fraction) and improved CsF−AlF₃ flux, wetting properties of Zn−Al filler metal on 3003 Al substrate were investigated. The mechanical property as well as the microstructure of the brazed joints was also studied. The results indicate that excellent joints can be produced by means of torch brazing when the Al content is less than 8%. The metallographic structure in the brazing seam is mainly composed of Al based solid solutions and Zn based solid solutions. The high hardness value of brazing seam of the 3003 aluminum alloy is higher than that of the base metal due to the effect of solid solution strengthening. The results also show that three microstructure zones could be found at the brazing interface; i.e., base metal, diffusing zone and interface zone. The distribution of the solid solution in the brazing seam is the main factor of the tensile strength rather than the diffusion zone width near the interface.

Key words: Zn−Al filler metal; torch brazing; mechanical properties; microstructure