A metallurgical and mechanical study on dissimilar Friction Stir welding of aluminum 1050 to brass (CuZn30)

► Brass and aluminum 1050 are joined for the first time through Friction Stir welding. ► Welding parameters are optimized to obtain a sound joint. ► The ultimate tensile strength of the sound joint reaches 80% of aluminum base metal. ► The effect of interfacial intermetallic compounds on mechanical properties is probed. ► CuZn, Cu9Al4 and CuAl2 form the majority of observed intermetallic compounds.