Abstract
Joining of $Si_3N_4$ to $Si_3N_4$ with crystallized glass solder was studied. $SiO_2-Al_2O_3-MgO$ glass with $P_2O_5$ as a crystallizing reagent was used as a solder. To improve the hish temperature toughness of joined specimen, two stage heat treatment was applied to Joined sample for the crystallization of joined layer, Two factors, i.e. thickness of soldered layer and crystallization were taken and thier effects on joining strength were investigated by a SEM-EDX observation of joined interface and bending strength both at room and elevated temperatures. Obtained results are summarized as follows: (1) Nitrogen diffused from $Si_3N_4$ to solder during the Joining process. Average amount of nitrogen in soldered layer depended on the thickness of the soldered layer and increased with decrease of the thickness. (2) Joining strength of the specimen having a thinner soldered layer was stronger than that of thicker layer. This can be mainly attributed to the difference of the nitrogen content in the soldered layer. (3) Higher content of nitrogen in solder brought forth higher viscosity of the solder. Hence the crystallization of the solder become more difficult in thinner layer of the solder than thicker one. (4) Thus, the effect of crystallization was evaluated mostly by the thicker layer specimen. Crystallization of soldered layer improved markedly the fracure strength of joining at higher temperatures than the softening temperature of glass solder.