Diffusion in FSW Joints by Inserting the Metallic Foils

The aims of this investigation were to study diffusion phenomenon in friction stir welding (FSW) joints and its influence on the tensile strength of joints. To study diffusion in stir zone, various metallic foils were inserted between two pure aluminium plates. The thin foils of pure copper, pure zinc, brass and Cu-Zn-Ni alloy with the thickness of 250 μm were used as metallic foils. The transversal cross sections of welds were observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) system. The spot analyses near the metallic foils indicated that diffusion occurs from foils into the aluminium plates during welding; consequently, the strength of stir zone increases even by 50%. Besides, the metallic foils could reveal the flow of metal after FSW process.