A chemical agent designed to facilitate the creation of strong, clean, and durable joints during the silver soldering process. It is applied to the surfaces being joined prior to heating. A common example would be a paste containing borax compounds and fluorides, specifically formulated for use with silver-based brazing alloys. This agent removes oxidation and other surface contaminants, allowing the molten solder to properly wet and adhere to the base metals.
The utility of such a compound lies in its ability to improve the quality and reliability of the soldered connection. By preventing oxidation during heating, it ensures optimal flow and bonding of the silver solder, resulting in a joint with enhanced mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Historically, various substances, often based on readily available minerals, have been used for this purpose; however, modern formulations offer improved performance and are tailored to specific metal combinations and application requirements.