HR-TEM observation of laser pressure weld of galvannealed steel and pure aluminium

Laser pressure welding was conducted by changing the laser power and the roller pressure in the previous experiment. It was revealed that dissimilar metal welding of galvannealed steel and pure aluminium was feasible in a wide range of welding conditions. When the roller pressure was more than 1.96 kN at the laser powers equal to or less than 1400 W, the joint strengths were so high that the specimens in the tensile shear and the peel tests fractured in the A1050 parent metal.

In order to know the reason for such high strengths of joints with thick compound layers and the joining mechanism, the compound layer was observed by HR-transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM observation results revealed that the main phase in the compound layer was the solid solution of Al + Zn. Moreover, the intermetallic compound was identified as FeAl, Fe₂Al₅, Fe₄Al₁₃ and Fe₂Al₅Zn_0.4 phase by electron diffraction. The Fe₃Zn₁₀ (Γ phase) of Fe–Zn intermetallic compound was confirmed on a Fe base material. It is guessed that the joining areas were heated at a range of 782°C more than 665°C, a melting point of Al, by laser irradiation because the δ_lk phase aspect was not confirmed. Because the surfaces of A1050 and Zn plated layer were melted thinly, the layer was over 10 μm thicker. The reason for the production of high-strength joints with a relatively thick intermetallic compound layer was attributed to the formation of (Al + Zn) phase with finely dispersed intermetallic compounds.     

Mechanical properties of laser-pressure-welded joint between dissimilar galvannealed steel and pure aluminium

Dissimilar metal joints of Zn-coated Galvannealed steel (GA steel) and commercially available pure aluminium (A1050) sheets were produced by changing the laser power and the roller pressure by the laser pressure welding method. By this method, the YAG laser beam was irradiated into a flare groove made by these dissimilar metal sheets. In addition, the laser beam was scanned at various frequencies and patterns through the fθ lens using two-dimensional scanning mirrors. Then the sheets were pressed by the pressure rolls to be joined.

The compound layers in the weld interface were observed by an optical microscope and the layer thicknesses were measured. The thicknesses ranged from 7 to 20 μm. The mechanical properties of the welded joints were evaluated by the tensile-shear test and peel test. In the tensile-shear test, the strengths of the joints produced under the most welding conditions were so high that the fracture occurred through the base aluminium sheet. In the peel test of the specimens subjected to a laser beam of 1200–1400 W power under roller pressure of 2.94 kN, the specimen fracture took place in the base aluminium sheet. Even if the compound layer was thick, high joint strength was obtained. On the other hand, the specimen fractured in the weld interface at a laser power of 1500 W. The results of X-ray diffraction on the peel test specimen surface identified that the intermetallic compound on the GA steel side was Fe₂Al₅Zn_0.4. Moreover, the aluminium parts adhering to the GA steel side were confirmed. These results suggest that the fracture in the peel test occurred between the compound layer and A1050 and partly in the base aluminium. A micro-Vickers hardness test was performed to examine the hardness distribution in the compound layer. The hardness values near A1050 and GA steel were about 100 and 470 Hv, respectively, which suggests that the compound layer should not necessarily consist of brittle intermetallic compounds. It is therefore concluded that laser pressure welding could produce high strength joints of GA steel and A1050 dissimilar materials.     

Effects of resistance spot welding parameters on microstructures and mechanical properties of dissimilar material joints of galvanised high strength steel and aluminium alloy

Abstract

Intermediate frequency resistance spot welding has been adopted to join dissimilar materials of H220YD galvanised high strength steel and 6008 aluminium alloy. The effects of welding current and welding time on microstructures and mechanical properties of the welded joints were investigated. A thin intermetallic compound layer composed of Fe₂Al₅ phase and Fe₄Al₁₃ phase formed at the steel/aluminium interface. The interfacial intermetallic compound layer has higher nanohardness compared with the aluminium alloy nugget and galvanised steel. With increasing welding current (4–11?kA) and welding time (50–300?ms), the nugget diameter increased, the interfacial layer structure became coarser and the tensile shear load of the welded joints had an increased tendency. The maximum tensile shear load reached 3309?N at 9?kA for 250?ms. Crack initiated at the interfacial intermetallic compound layer of the tensile shear specimens, then propagated through the interfacial layer principally, and meantime through the aluminium alloy fusion zone near the interface partially.     

铝/钢异种金属电弧辅助激光对接熔钎焊方法

采用小功率TIG焊电弧辅助激光热源进行5A06铝合金和热镀锌钢ST04Z对接熔钎焊工艺试验,获得表面成形连续、美观的焊缝.采用SEM,EDS,XRD,拉伸试验机、显微硬度计对熔钎焊接头的微观组织和力学性能进行了研究.结果表明,与单纯激光相比,电弧辅助激光热源改变了焊接过程的温度场分布,从而促进液态铝向钢侧的铺展,所得对接接头最大抗拉强度可达到163 MPa,约为5A06铝合金母材抗拉强度的74%,是激光焊接头强度的1.3倍.接头过渡层形成的金属间化合物以脆硬的Fe₂Al₅,Fe₄Al₁₃为主.拉伸断裂起始于脆性的金属间化合物层,终止于韧窝断裂.     

Influence of zinc on intermetallic compounds formed in friction stir welding of AA5754 aluminium alloy to galvanised ultra-high strength steel

In this study, lap joints between AA5754 and DP1000 ultra-high strength steels were produced by friction stir welding. In order to investigate the roles of zinc on intermetallic phase formation and joint properties, steel substrates were used, two being galvanised coated and one uncoated. Joint performance has been evaluated in term of maximum tensile shear loading. The effects of the process parameter, translational speed; chemical compositions; and intermetallic phase formation on the mechanical properties have been investigated. The results show that joints with a galvanised layer exhibit higher strength as compared to the non-coated steel. A thicker galvanised layer promotes the presence of zinc in the aluminium matrix, resulting in better joint properties. The level of zinc contents in the aluminium matrix depends on process temperature and material circulation characteristics. Two stable Al-rich intermetallic phases, Al₅Fe₂ and Al₁₃Fe₄, were detected at the interface regardless of the coating conditions.     

Laser welding technologies: high power diode laser application examples

The successful results presented in the literature on friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium–steel joints ignore the appearance and formation of defects on the joint as reference points for evaluation. It also increases the controversy about the presence of intermetallic compounds of the type Fe_xAl_y, and the lack of information about its origin. The objective of this study is to determine appropriate parameters for obtaining aluminium–steel joints free of defects, and their relationship to the formation of deleterious phases during FSW. Consolidated welded joints were obtained and the microstructure resulting from these welded joints of aluminium alloy 6063-T5 and AISI steel SAE 1020 was determined. A tungsten carbide tool (WC-14Co) was used at rotation and weld speeds of 300 rpm and 150 mm min^? 1, respectively. The results highlight the importance of heat input in obtaining aluminium–steel joints with adequate surface appearance and penetration. The microstructural analysis reveals the formation of seven regions in the welded joint, highlighting the thermo-mechanically affected zone on the steel, a band of ultra-fine grains of ferrite and the absence of intermetallic compounds on the aluminium–steel interface.     

Annealing Effect on the Intermetallic Compound Formation of Cold Sprayed Fe/Al Composite Coating

A Fe/Al composite coating was prepared by cold spraying using an iron-aluminium powder mixture with a Fe/Al atomic ratio of 1:1. The effect of annealing temperature on the intermetallic compound formation in the cold-sprayed Fe/Al coating was investigated. The as-sprayed and annealed coatings were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results showed that intensive particle deformation on impact promoted the Fe₂Al₅ intermetallic compound formation at a low annealing temperature of 450?°C and this intermetallic layer firstly appeared along some intimate contact regions at the aluminium-iron boundaries. The amount of the Fe₂Al₅ intermetallic compound increased and no other intermetallic compound phases appeared when the annealing temperature was raised from 450 to 600?°C. Some cracks developed in the Fe₂Al₅ intermetallic layer when the coating was annealed at 600?°C and the possible causes leading to evolution of cracks are discussed.     

Influence of alloy elements on microstructure and mechanical property of aluminum–steel lap joint made by gas metal arc welding

5052 aluminum alloy sheets and galvanized mild steel sheets were joined in lap configuration by alternate-current double pulse gas metal arc welding with pure Al, Al–5Si, Al–12Si and Al–4.5Mg (wt%) filler wires. The effect of alloying elements on the microstructure of intermetallic compounds (IMC) layers formed between weld seam and steel, and tensile strength of the resultant joints were investigated. The thickness of IMC layer in all samples varied along the cross-section of the joint, the intermediate part of the IMC layer was thicker than the head and root parts. The diffusion of Si into Fe₂Al₅ sub-layer could restrain the growth of Fe₂Al₅ sub-layer and IMC layer, and joint's mechanical property improved with the increasing Si content in Fe₂Al₅ phase. Due to the high hot crack sensitivity of Al–4.5Mg alloy, cracks generated at the root of joint made with Al–4.5Mg filler, resulting in poor mechanical property.     

Intermetallic compounds in friction stirred lap joints between AA5754/galvanised ultra-high strength steel

This paper presents results of joining of AA5754 and DP800 based on the friction stir welding process. Joints were produced by the tool made of H13 tool steel which was allowed to penetrate through the aluminium sheet until reaching the surface of steel sheet without penetrating into it. This approach is an economic and robust way to operate the dissimilar welding process without excessive tool cost. Bonding was achieved by interfacial diffusion reactions between aluminium and iron with a formation of intermetallic compounds. The formation of brittle intermetallic compounds at the interface between the materials was studied. Three intermetallic phases were found at the interface including Al₁₃Fe₄, Al₅Fe₂ and Fe₃Zn₁₀. A range of process parameters was identified with a thickness of the intermetallic layers around 2?µm. Shear fracture failure mode was observed under overlap loading. The mechanisms of formation of the joints and factors controlling the strength were discussed.     

Interface properties and thermodynamic analysis of laser–arc hybrid welded Al/steel joint

Abstract

Fibre laser–cold metal transfer hybrid welding was introduced to join AA 6061 aluminium alloy with AISI 304 stainless steel using Al–12Si filler wire. Interface properties and microstructure of welded joints were observed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction techniques. A serrated intermetallic compound (IMC) layer was found at the interface between fusion zone and stainless steel. The morphology of IMC layer was uniform from the top to the bottom, and its average thickness was 3 μm. The IMC layer consisted of two layers: Al₈(Fe,Cr)₂Si layer close to fusion zone and (Al,Si)₁₃Fe₄ layer close to stainless steel. The joint fractured at the IMC layer and presented a tensile strength of 165 MPa. The formation of the IMC layer was closely related with the thermodynamic and kinetic behaviours of the interface and fast cooling rate of hybrid welding.     

半导体激光钎焊Sn-Ag-Cu焊点的力学性能和显微组织分析

选取不同激光钎焊工艺参数,利用半导体激光软钎焊系统对Sn-Ag-Cu无铅钎料在铜基板上进行了钎焊试验,并研究了Sn-Ag-Cu焊点显微组织中金属间化合物形成规律.结果表明,当激光钎焊时间选择为1 s,激光输出功率为38.3 W时,焊点力学性能最佳.随着激光工艺参数的改变,焊点显微组织发生相应的变化.当使用最佳激光工艺参数钎焊时,形成的焊点晶粒细小,避免了焊点内金属间化合物Cu6Sn5的过度生长,此外还形成了厚度适中的金属间化合物层.对比试验结果发现,激光软钎焊方法比传统红外再流焊所形成的金属间化合物层更为平缓,能够获得力学性能更为优良的焊点.     

Effect of lattice matching degree and intermetallic compound on the properties of Mg/Al dissimilar material welded joints

The welding of Mg/Al dissimilar materials with different filler metal was investigated, and the quantities and kinds of intermetallic compounds were discussed. In addition, the matching degrees between base metal and intermetallic compounds were defined and calculated, and the effect of different quantities of each intermetallic compound on the property of welded seam was investigated. The results indicated that the welded seam was composed of Al₃Mg₂ and Al₁₂Mg₁₇ by Mg/Al directly gas tungsten arc butt welding, and only one intermetallic compound of MgZn₂ formed in the welding seam using Zn and Zn–xAl filler metal. The tensile strengths of the joints increased with the increase of the matching degrees between the intermetallic compounds and the base metal when the welded seam contained different intermetallic compound. Meanwhile, the tensile strengths of the joints are decreased with the increase of intermetallic compound content when the welded seams contained the seam intermetallic compound.     

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Cu–Al joints by ultrasonic welding

Dissimilar joints of copper to aluminium were produced by high power ultrasonic welding (USW). The interfacial reaction between copper and 6061 aluminium alloy as a function of welding time was studied. The intermetallic compound (IMC) layer is mainly composed of CuAl₂ and Cu₉Al₄. The thickness of the IMC layer increases with the welding time. For a relatively long welding time (0·7 s) in USW, the dendritic solidification microstructure was observed in local regions, owing to the occurrence of the eutectic reaction, α-Al+θ→L, in the welding process. The lap shear load (or strength) of the joints first increases and then decreases with increasing welding time, and the failure of the joints occurred dominantly at the interface. This is mainly attributed to the development of IMC layer at the interface.     

铜对钢/铝激光-MIG复合焊接头组织及性能的影响

采用激光-MIG复合焊方法研究了铜对SYG960E超高强度度钢/6061铝合金焊接接头微观组织及力学性能的影响.结果表明,与MIG焊相比,激光-MIG复合焊有利于改善焊缝成形及焊接质量.钢/铝界面层具有双层结构,靠近铝焊缝侧为针状的FeAl₃金属间化合物,而靠近钢母材侧为条状的Fe₂Al₅金属间化合物.铜对钢/铝界面层及接头的力学性能具有显著的影响.添加铜后可以有效地减小界面层厚度和裂纹敏感性,降低钢/铝接头的最高硬度,明显提高接头的抗拉强度,接头强度可以提高110%,这主要与铜抑制界面层生长和改善界面层中Fe-Al金属化合物的脆硬性有关.     

Surface Microstructure of Fe3Al After Severe Plastic Deformation

Nanocrystals were produced on the surface of Fe₃Al intermetallic compound by a severe plastic deformation technology—surface mechanical attrition. The phase and grain evolutions were characterized through x-ray diffraction technology, transmission electron microscopy, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results show that surface grains are refined to 15 nm in average size after 60 min of attrition. The surface grains present inhomogeneity due to the nonuniform plastic deformation when the attrition time is less than 15 min. Large quantities of dislocations and tangles of dislocations are observed in those larger grains. Al₈Cr₅ phase forms on the surface of Fe₃Al samples which have undergone attrition for less than 15 min. When the attrition time increases, the Al₈Cr₅ phase becomes disordered and dissolves into the matrix. In addition, disordering of Fe₃Al occurs only in a very thin area during severe plastic deformation.     

铝/钢异种金属火焰钎焊接头组织和性能

通过扫描电镜、能谱分析和X射线衍射等方法研究了火焰钎焊时Zn-xAl钎料的润湿性能、铝/钢钎焊接头界面显微组织、金属间化合物层以及接头抗剪强度.结果表明,Zn-xAl钎料配合改性CsF-RbF-AlF₃钎剂,可以有效地去除母材表面氧化膜,从而提高钎焊接头力学性能.随着Al元素含量增加,钎料铺展性和填缝性随之提高,但是钎焊接头强度先升后降,Al元素含量为15%时,钎焊接头力学性能最佳.钎焊接头显微组织分析结果表明,金属间化合物主要为Fe₄Al₁₃相. Zn-xAl钎料中Al元素含量较低时,界面层由富锌相和Fe₄Al₁₃相组成.随着Al元素含量的增加,在Zn-25Al钎焊接头界面出现第二层金属间化合物Fe₂Al₅相.     

The Zn-Rich Corner of the Zn-Fe-Al-Sb Quaternary System at 450 °C

The 450 °C isothermal section of the Zn-Fe-Al-Sb quaternary system with Zn fixed at 93 at.% has been studied experimentally using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The (L + AlSb) field is in equilibrium with other phase fields in the section, except those near the 93Zn7Fe corner. The solubility of Sb in ζ, δ, T, Fe₂Al₅, and FeAl₃ phases is very limited. The Zn-Fe-Al ternary phase T (Al₆Fe₈Zn₈₆) was found to be in equilibrium with L, δ, Fe₂Al₅, and AlSb phase. The maximum solubilities of Zn in AlSb, Fe₂Al₅, and FeAl₃ are 5.3, 12.3, and 6.2 at.% respectively. Zn can be dissolved in all compounds existing in the equilibrium alloys. Five four-phase regions and four three-phase regions have been confirmed experimentally.     

搅拌针长度对搅拌摩擦搭接焊铝合金/钢异种材料接头组织性能的影响

通过搅拌摩擦搭接焊接6061铝合金/QP980钢异种材料,讨论了搅拌针长度（1.5和2.1 mm）对焊接接头组织和性能的影响。结果表明,6061铝合金/QP980钢搅拌摩擦搭接焊接头分为3层结构：上层为铝合金层,中间层为Fe、Al及金属间化合物混合层状结构,下层为钢层。其中,当搅拌针长2.1 mm时,铝合金层含有散落的钢碎片。在中间层检测到2种金属间化合物,靠近Al的深灰色层为Fe₄Al₁₃相,靠近钢的是Fe₂Al₅相。随着搅拌针长度的增加,接头的失效载荷从4 kN降低到3 kN。短探针焊接的接头在接合界面处断裂,而长探针焊接的接头在铝和钢的混合区断裂。孔洞缺陷和钢碎片是导致断裂位置发生变化的主要原因。此外,嵌入铝基体中的铁屑在变形过程中起应力集中和裂纹萌生的作用,降低了接头的力学性能。     

Identification of the intermetallic compound layer formed at the interface of roll-bonded aluminum-clad steel by thermal annealing

Aluminum clad steel (ACS) is an excellent layered composite material. An intensive investigation into roll-bonded ACS was carried out to identify the intermetallic compound (IMC) formed at the interface between the aluminum (Al) and the steel. A series of analyzing methods was applied to the IMC layer formed at the interface during annealing at 540 °C for 16 h. An electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) measured a value of 28.5 atomic percent for the Fe in the IMC layer, which coincided with the Fe₂Al₅ phase. An analysis of the X-ray diffraction pattern for the IMC layer in the ACS materials showed a very strong peak for the (002) plane of Fe₂Al₅. Vickers microhardness testing of the IMC layer revealed a very high value (1,110 Hv). The results of EPMA, XRD and microhardness values verified that the IMC layer in the sample that had been annealed at 540 °C for 16 h was the Fe₂Al₅ phase.     

Microstructural evolution of intermetallic layer in hot-dipped aluminide mild steel with silicon addition

Mild steel was coated by hot-dipping into molten pure aluminum, Al-0.5 Si, Al-2.5 Si, Al-5 Si and Al-10 Si (wt.%) baths at 700 °C for 180 seconds. The microstructure and phase constitution of the aluminide layers were characterized by means of optical microscope, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction. Also, the thicknesses of the intermetallic layers and the metal losses of the steel substrate were measured to investigate the interaction between mild steel and aluminum baths. The results revealed that the additions of silicon to the aluminum baths caused Al₇Fe₂Si and Al₂Fe₃Si₃ phases to form above the FeAl₃ layer and in the Fe₂Al₅ layer, respectively. As the silicon content in the aluminum bath increased, the thickness of the intermetallic layer decreased, and the intermetallic layer/steel substrate interface transformed from an irregular morphology into a flat morphology. The decrease of the thickness of the intermetallic layer was principally attributed to the detachment of the Al₇Fe₂Si layer from the intermetallic layer into the aluminum bath. The flattened intermetallic layer/mild steel substrate interface was due to the formation of Al₂Fe₃Si₃ precipitates in the Fe₂Al₅ layer by the serration-like steel substrate reacting with the Fe₂Al₅ layer containing solid-solute silicon.