Combined effect of nanocompositing and addition of interlayer on friction stir welding of aluminum/magnesium joint: a study

Aluminum and magnesium were welded by friction stir welding while Zinc was used as interlayer and Titanium carbide nanoparticles were applied as reinforcement. The microstructure examination and phase constitution of interfacial zones showed that the base materials reaction successfully proceeded. The changes in heat input and stir action had a very significant effect on microstructural development, the distribution of nanoparticles, wettability at the interface, and intermetallic compound formation (Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17). Aluminum solid solution, MgZn2, Magnesium/Aluminum/Zinc Intermetallic Compounds and Magnesium were the much important Compounds in the nugget zone. The best joint with the highest tensile strength and elongation percentage of 182 MPa and 1.5%, respectively, was made at transverse speed of 45 mm/min and rotation speed of 750 rpm with presence of Titanium carbide particles and Zinc interlayer material. Meanwhile, the hardness of 185 Hv with relative ductile fracture was detected for the optimized weld sample.