Microstructural characteristics of lap joint between magnesium alloy and mild steel with and without the addition of Sn element

Lap joint of AZ31B Mg alloy to Q235 steel by hybrid laser-TIG welding was studied. Microstructures of Sn-free and Sn-added joint were investigated, and the intermediate phase of Sn-added joints was also inspected. In contrast with the Sn-free joints, intermetallic compound Mg2Sn with dendritic structure distributed in the grain boundaries of Mg alloy was identified; Gaps at the interfaces were vanished as the wettability of Mg alloy with the addition of Sn on steel was improved. Big particles in fusion zone became even smaller or disappeared in the Sn-added joints.