High Strength Insulating Metal-to-Metal Joints for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Other High Temperature Applications and Method of Making.

摘要

A seal formed between a metal part and a second part that will remain gas tight in high temperature operating environments which experience frequent thermal cycling, which is particularly useful as an insulating joint in solid oxide fuel cells. A first metal part is attached to a reinforcing material. A glass forming material is positioned between the first metal part and the second part, and a seal is formed between the first metal part and the second part by heating the glass to a temperature suitable to melt the glass forming materials. The glass encapsulates and bonds at least a portion of the reinforcing material, thereby adding tremendous strength to the overall seal. A ceramic material may be added to the glass forming materials, to assist in forming an insulating barrier between the first metal part and the second part and to regulate the viscosity of the glass during the heating step.