Microstructural evolution of a heat-resistant magnesium alloy due to friction stir welding

Microstructures of a heat-resistant magnesium alloy prepared by friction stir welding were investigated. In the friction stir zone, the microstructure of the thixomoulded parent material is replaced by fine magnesium grains and small particles of intermetallic compounds (Al2Ca). Due to microstructural refinement, the microhardness of the friction stir zone is higher than that of the base material.