Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of dissimilar friction stir welded joints between AA1100-B4C MMC and AA6063 alloy

► Microstructures and mechanical properties of dissimilar FSW between AA1100-B4C and AA6063 alloy. ► Effect of the welding parameters on the interface bonding, joint microstructure and mechanical properties. ► Microstructural evolution of dissimilar joints revealed by the electron backscatter diffraction analysis. ► Good material mixing and seamless bonding around the interfaces between Al-B4C and the AA6063 alloy. ► 100% joint efficiencies (UTS) achieved by all dissimilar joints.