Microstructure and tensile strength of friction stir welded joints between interstitial free steel and commercially pure aluminium

In the present study, the joining of interstitial free steel and commercial pure aluminium was carried out by friction stir welding (FSW) technique using tool rotational speeds of 600, 900, 1200 rpm and traverse speed of 100 mm/min. The microstructure and micro-hardness of the weld interface have been investigated. Optical microscopy was used to characterize the microstructures of different regions of friction stir welding joints. The scanning electron microscopy-back scattered electron (SEM-BSE) images show the existence of the different reaction layers in the welded zone. The Al3Fe intermetallic compound has been observed in the weld interface and their thickness increase with the increase in tool rotational speed. Tensile strength was also evaluated and maximum tensile strength of ∼123.2 MPa along with ∼4.5% elongation at fracture of the joint have been obtained when processed at 600 rpm tool rotational speed.

► Industrial use of FSW between interstitial free steel and pure aluminium. ► Varying rotation speeds at constant traverse speed enhanced maximum strength. ► Microstructure and tensile properties were co-related.