Effects of titanium on grain boundary strength in molybdenum laser weld bead and formation and strengthening mechanisms of brazing layer

Molybdenum has tremendous application potential in the nuclear power field, but its application is limited by the grain-boundary embrittlement of fusion-welded joints made of it. In this study, titanium was selected as an alloying element to reduce brittleness of laser weld beads in molybdenum “cladding-end plug” socket joints. Brazing was also performed to enhance the joint strength. Joints with the same strength as base material and a hydraulic bursting pressure of 60 MPa were produced using a combination of the two methods. The analysis indicates the following. After being added to the weld bead, titanium was able to combine with the free oxygen, forming TiO ₂ and reducing the MoO ₂ content on grain boundary surface. Oxygen and MoO ₂ are both the main causes of the embrittlement of molybdenum grain boundaries. In addition, by taking advantage of the high melting point and thermal conductivity of molybdenum, a titanium foil pre-placed between the tube and rod in the socket joint was melted, forming metallurgical bonding, which further improved the bearing capacity of the joint. These results could facilitate application of molybdenum in nuclear power field and also provide a new approach for improving the property of socket joints made of refractory materials.