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.