Microstructure and tensile properties of rapid-cooling friction-stir-welded AZ31B Mg alloy along thickness direction

Rapid-cooling friction-stir-welding (FSW) was used to join AZ31B magnesium alloy plates of 6 mm in thickness. The microstructure and mechanical properties in thickness direction were carefully investigated with electron backscattered diffractometer, and transmission electron microscope. The obtained results showed that ultrafine grains with high dislocation density were obtained in the top region of the weld due to liquid CO2 cooling. A large number of {10 (1) over bar2} twins and second-phase particles were also induced in these refined grains. The basal texture intensity was significantly reduced due to the appearance of {10 (1) over bar2} twins. The top region showed the higher strength and elongation compared with the bottom region, and the welding efficiency reached 93%. This work provided a simple and efficient strategy for manufacturing a gradient structure in the FSW Mg alloy joint.