Direct welding of YSZ ceramics by ultra-fast laser

Achieving the fusion welding of ceramic materials is considered to be challenging due to the high melting points and the brittle nature of ceramics. Ultra-fast laser shows the advantages such as ultra-high peak power, extremely short reaction time and low heat input. Fusion welding of ceramics have been made possible using ultra-fast laser. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic is an advanced ceramic material with very important applications in fuel cells, thermal barrier coatings and other fields. The joining of YSZ ceramics has important application. Herein, we achieved the fusion welding of YSZ ceramics using ultra-fast laser successfully. The microstructure of the joint is systematically investigated using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The melting area shows typical columnar grain structures originated from the fusion line of the joint and grew towards the direction of laser movement. This study confirms the feasibility of ultra-fast laser fusion welding of ceramics, providing a new method for ceramic joining.