The characterization investigation of laser-arc-adhesive hybrid welding of Mg to Al joint using Ni interlayer

• The design idea of hybrid interlayer composed of Ni interlayer and adhesive is put forward in the paper.
• The effect of Ni is strengthen by the addition of the adhesive.
• The property of the Mg and Al dissimilar joint is improved by the addition of the hybrid interlayer.

Laser-arc-adhesive hybrid welding technology is used to merge Mg to Al joints with a Ni interlayer. In this study, the effect of the adhesive on microstructure and intermetallics are analyzed. The adhesive and Ni interlayer restrain the reaction between Mg and Al. The transition zone between Mg and Al is composed of the Mg–Mg2Ni eutectic and Al–Al3Ni peritectic. The function of the Ni interlayer on the fusion zone is strengthened with the addition of the adhesive. The tensile shear test load of the laser-arc-adhesive hybrid welding of Mg to Al joints is 2.15 kN and 118 MPa without curing the adhesive. The harmful effects of the intermetallics are significantly reduced and the property of the joint is improved.