Abstract
The sealing technique between a glass tube and a copper heat pipe in an evacuated tube solar collector is studied. In this study two different sealing techniques, such as flame method and furnace firing, are examined. After the sealing of a copper to a glass, the oxidation state of the copper and its bonding morphology were examined by SEM and XRD. Its oxidation was retarded by coating of borate solution on the copper, and $Cu_2O(cuprite)$ turned into CuO(tenorite) with increase in a firing temperature and firing time. Porous structure was found in the oxide layer when CuO formed. The best sealing morphology was observed when the thickness of the oxidation layer was less than $20{\mu}m$. The sealing technique performed in a furnace was promising and the satisfactory result was obtained when the sample was fired at $950^{\circ}C$ for 5 min under $N_2$ atmosphere. Annealing procedure is recommended to remove the stress left at the bonding zone.