Study on metal/shell interaction in ZrO₂ ceramic mould during titanium investment casting

The metal/shell interface has been prepared by means of investment casting and diffusion bonding, respectively. Then the obtained interfaces are thoroughly studied using SEM, EPMA and microhardness analysis. Finally, an interaction mechanism on the basis of thermal diffusion of Zr, O into titanium matrix is founded. The experimental results show that other than advancing uniformly on the whole interface, the interface reactions preferably take place in the areas where there are undulations of concentricity, temperature, and energy, as well as appropriate surface orientation of ceramic particles.