Abstract:Rapid-cooling friction-stir-welding (FSW) was used to join AZ31B magnesium alloy plates of 6 mm in thickness. The microstructure and mechanical properties in thickness direction were carefully investigated with electron backscattered diffractometer, and transmission electron microscope. The obtained results showed that ultrafine grains with high dislocation density were obtained in the top region of the weld due to liquid CO₂ cooling. A large number of twins and second-phase particles were also induced in these refined grains. The basal texture intensity was significantly reduced due to the appearance of twins. The top region showed the higher strength and elongation compared with the bottom region, and the welding efficiency reached 93%. This work provided a simple and efficient strategy for manufacturing a gradient structure in the FSW Mg alloy joint.

Key words: friction stir welding; magnesium alloy; recrystallization; texture; microstructure; mechanical properties