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.