Technical note: A major loss in tensile strength of friction stir welded aluminum alloy joints resulting from atmospheric corrosion
Journal article, 2016

The effect of corrosion on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy (AA6005-T6) joints produced by friction stir welding is investigated. The tensile strength of the weldments was analyzed after 100 h exposure to 95% relative humidity air at 22°C in the presence of NaCl and CO2. The corrosion exposure caused a significant decrease in the ultimate tensile strength and ductility of the welds. Microstructural studies revealed that the loss of mechanical properties is associated with corrosion in the vicinity of the joint line remnants (JLRs), which are commonly found in friction stir welds. The reasons behind the preferential corrosion of the JLRs and the effect of corrosion on the mechanical properties of the welds are discussed.

Joint line remnants

Mechanical properties

Friction stir welding

Corrosion

Aluminum alloy

Author

Mohsen Esmaily

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Jan-Erik Svensson

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Lars-Gunnar Johansson

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Corrosion

0010-9312 (ISSN)

Vol. 72 12 1587-1596

Subject Categories

Corrosion Engineering

More information

Created

10/7/2017