Effect of weld thermal cycle on metallurgical and corrosion behavior of friction stir weld joint of AA2014 aluminium alloy

Friction stir welding of AA2014 aluminium alloy was performed at seven different speed combinations. Weld thermal cycles were measured at all the speed parameters and corresponding peak temperatures were observed at higher tool rotation speed and lower welding speed. Hardness and tensile tests were performed to study the mechanical properties of the weld joints. Corrosion behavior was studied using immersion, Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Optical microscopy, FESEM, XRD and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the metallurgical behavior of the weld joints. Microhardness and corrosion resistance were found higher at low rotation speed and high traverse speed. Corrosion behavior has been discussed in light of microstructure.