Interfacial Energy in Soldering
Interfacial energy in brazing is the energy at the contact surfaces between the solid workpiece, the liquid filler metal, and the environment. It affects wetting behavior and the spreading of the filler metal.
Physico-Chemical Mechanism
Interfacial energy is the energy required to create new surfaces in the material. In brazing, a layer forms on the surface of the workpiece and the filler metal that affects wetting behavior.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
High interfacial energy can lead to poor wetting, causing the filler metal to not transfer uniformly onto the workpiece. This can result in incomplete joints and weak points in the brazed seam.
Workshop Practice & Action Items
To ensure good wetting, it is important to set the brazing temperature and the surrounding medium so that interfacial energy is minimized. This can be achieved by choosing the right filler metal and correct processing temperatures.