Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy sheet were investigated by means of hardness and tensile tests, optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The hardness profile of the weld exhibits a W shape with the lowest value in the thermo-mechanically affected zone on the advancing side. The tensile strength and elongation of the weld are about 71% and 72% that of the base material. In the nugget zone, there are a number of fine recrystallized grains and dispersed precipitates at grain boundaries. In the thermo-mechanically affected zone, the grain size is not uniform and there are a number of precipitates at grain boundaries. In the heat affected zone, the grain structure is similar to the base material.