Effect of joining temperature on microstructure and properties of diffusion bonded Mg/Al joints

The joining of AZ31B Mg alloy to 6061 Al alloy was investigated at different joining temperatures by vacuum diffusion bonding method. The microstructures of Mg/Al dissimilar joints were studied by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results show that the thickness of each layer in the diffusion zone increases with the increase of joining temperature, and the microstructure changes obviously. At joining temperature of 440 degrees C, the diffusion zone is composed of Mg2Al3 layer and Mg17Al12 layer. At joining temperatures of 460 and 480 degrees C, the diffusion zone is composed of Mg2Al3 layer, Mg17Al12 layer, eutectic layer of Mg17Al12 and Mg-based solid solution. The width of high-hardness zone in the joint increases with increasing joining temperature, and the micro-hardnesses at different locations in the diffusion zone are significantly different. The joining temperature of 440 degrees C offers the highest tensile strength of 37 MPa, and the corresponding joint exhibits brittle fracture at the intermetallic compound layer of Mg17Al12.