ENHANCING THE CORROSION RESISTANCE OF FRICTION STIR WELDED JOINT OF ALUMINUM ALLOY

Abstract

In the present work, corrosion and mechanical properties of friction stir welds of dissimilar aluminum alloy, i.e. AA2024 and AA 7075, are investigated and efforts have been made to enhance the corrosion resistance of the welds. Initial welding parameters were selected in such a way so that good mechanical properties can be achieved. Micro hardness and tensile tests are performed on the welds to study the mechanical properties. Vickers hardness tester has been used for measuring the hardness of different regions of the welds. Tensile tests were performed in perpendicular direction of welds. Optical, scanning electron microscopy and FESEM are used for mechanical characterization. Corrosion study of weld has been done by electrochemical polarization testing. For enhancing the corrosion resistance of welds, post weld aging heat treatment has also been carried out.