The nature of interfaces in Al-1050/Al-1050 and Al-1050/Mg-AZ31 Couples Joined by Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW)

The microstructure and the phase composition of the interfaces of Al-1050/Al-1050 and Al-1050/Mg-AZ31 magnetic pulse welding (MPW) joints were characterized by SEM and TEM analyses. The mechanical properties were tested by nanoindentation. Properties of the Al-1050/Al-1050 interface joint were established. The interface is almost free from Al₃Fe precipitates, which are present in the base metal. The hardness value is higher than that of the base metal; however, values of the Young's modulus of the interface and base metal are similar. It was suggested that the interface evolution in the Al-1050/Al-1050 system includes local melting and rapid solidification of the base materials. A wavy shaped heterogeneous interface was detected in the Al-1050/Mg-AZ31 joints. Some areas are free from visible intermetallic phases (IMPs), while others contain pockets of relatively coarse intermetallic precipitates. The presence of a relatively large fraction of globular porosity at the interface indicates that local melting takes place in the course of MPW. TEM characterization of regions free of IMPs at the interface reveals regions consisting of fcc supersaturated Al-Mg solid solution, apparently formed as a result of local mechanical alloying during MPW. In other regions, the composition and structure correspond to the Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase, which was probably formed by local melting and rapid solidification.