Characterization of Corrosion Attack on Ni Brazes in Biopharmaceutical Solutions
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Mike Hurley, Boise State University; and Brandon King, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Brazing is a joining process where two materials (metals or ceramics) are joined with a lower melting point filler metal. Brazing provides very strong and precise joints without melting the materials being joined. Brazing is being considered an alternate method of heat exchanger creation; however, the location and nature of the corrosion attack when exposed to bio-pharma process solutions is under question. This research explores the damage created on the materials when exposed to medium- temperture solutions (80⁰C) for extended times to understand why attack is happening in certain areas along the brazed joint. Our methods involve grinding and polishing cross-sectioned pieces of ni-brazed stainless steel samples down to 1µm polishing compound to prepare samples for characterization with scanning electron microscopy. Cross-sectional images of the exposed interface of the braze enable determination of the depth of and location of corrosive attack to help understand what a “perfect” braze should look like along with elements which are being removed during the attack. This research will help determine the nature of attack along the braze along with acceptance of brazing into further applications as a viable method of material joining.
Characterization of Corrosion Attack on Ni Brazes in Biopharmaceutical Solutions
Brazing is a joining process where two materials (metals or ceramics) are joined with a lower melting point filler metal. Brazing provides very strong and precise joints without melting the materials being joined. Brazing is being considered an alternate method of heat exchanger creation; however, the location and nature of the corrosion attack when exposed to bio-pharma process solutions is under question. This research explores the damage created on the materials when exposed to medium- temperture solutions (80⁰C) for extended times to understand why attack is happening in certain areas along the brazed joint. Our methods involve grinding and polishing cross-sectioned pieces of ni-brazed stainless steel samples down to 1µm polishing compound to prepare samples for characterization with scanning electron microscopy. Cross-sectional images of the exposed interface of the braze enable determination of the depth of and location of corrosive attack to help understand what a “perfect” braze should look like along with elements which are being removed during the attack. This research will help determine the nature of attack along the braze along with acceptance of brazing into further applications as a viable method of material joining.