Carbon-Carbon Composite Metallic Alloy Joints and Corresponding Nanoscale Interfaces, a Short Review: Challenges, Strategies, and Prospects

Brazing of carbon-carbon (C/C) composites with metallic materials currently faces a series of difficulties, such as the poor wettability of metallic materials on the surface, the nanoscale interface bonding of C/C composites and metallic materials, thermal stress problems for these different materials, etc. Especially, the practical problems, including the low joint strength and insufficient reliability, still limit the large-scale practical application of brazing technology for C/C composites and metal materials. Herein, in order to guide the fabrication of high-quality joints, we present a brief discussion on the latest research progress in the joints of C/C composites and metallic materials, including current challenges, solution methods, mechanisms, and future prospects. More importantly, the nanoscale interface in the carbon-carbon composites and metallic alloys is paid very little attention, which has been critically discussed for the first time. Then, we further outline the possible solutions in joint problems of C/C composites and metallic materials, proposing feasible strategies to control the reaction in the brazing process, such as surface treatments, the addition of reinforcing phases, a transition layer sandwiched between the base material and the intermediate layer, etc. These strategies are being envisioned for the first time and further contribute to promoting the converged applications of C/C composites and metallic materials.