The evaluation of weldability for AZ31B-H24 and AZ91C-F Mg alloys in friction stir welding

In the present study, an investigation has been carried out on the friction stir welding (FSW) of two magnesium alloys. Hot-rolled and Die-casting plates of AZ type magnesium alloys were successfully joined by friction stir welding. AZ31B-H24 and AZ91C-F plates with the thickness of 4mm were used, and the microstructural development in stir zone (SZ) was investigated using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Hardness of SZ in AZ31B-H24 alloy has been slightly decreased due to the coarse structure. On the other hand, Hardness of SZ in AZ91C-F alloy has been remarkably increased due to very fine recrystallized grain structure. The result of EPMA showed Al Solid solution hardening by Solid solution of beta intermetallic compound to alpha-Mg. While tensile strength of the FSWelded AZ31B-H24 alloy showed about 80% values compare to Base metal, AZ91C-F showed about 68% values due to strongly affected by formation of the intermetallic compounds, beta-Al12Mg17.