Effect of friction stir processing and heat treatment on the corrosion properties of AZ31 alloy
B. Bharathi, R. Vaira Vignesh, R. Padmanaban, M. Govindaraju
Abstract
Magnesium alloys are widely used to lightweight the components in the automobile, aerospace, and electronics industries because of their low density and high specific strength. However, factors like low ductility, low mechanical strength, and high corrosion rate restrict the extensive use of the material. To utilise the alloy with improved mechanical and corrosion properties, friction stir processing followed by heat treatment was performed. The study explored the effect of ageing temperature and ageing time on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of friction stir processed AZ31 alloy. The results indicate that friction stir processing at TRS of 1200 rpm and TTS of 60 mm/min, followed by heat treatment augments the corrosion resistance of AZ31 alloy.