Influence of Sn addition on mechanical properties of gas tungsten arc welded AM60 Mg alloy sheets

The effects of Sn addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of gas tungsten arc butt-welded Mg-6Al- 0.3Mn (AM60) (mass fraction, %) alloy sheets were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and microhardness and tensile tests. The results indicate that both the average microhardness and joint efficiency of AM60 are improved by the addition of 1% Sn (mass fraction). The ultimate tensile strength of Mg-6Al-1Sn-0.3Mn (ATM610) reaches up to 96.8% of that of base material. Moreover, fracture occurs in the fusion zone of ATM610 instead of in the heat-affected zone of AM60 welded joint. The improvement in the properties is mainly attributed to the formation of Mg2Sn, which effectively obstructs the grain coarsening in the heat-affected zone, resulting in a relatively fine microstructure. The addition of 1% Sn improves the mechanical properties of AM60 welded joint.