Abstract
Thixomolded magnesium alloy AM60 plates joined by friction-stir welding were observed to be as strong or stronger than the unwelded base material. The thixotropic microstructures of the as-molded plates consisted of either 3% or 18% primary solid fraction of α-Mg globules (∼45 μm average size) in a eutectic mixture consisting of α-Mg grains (∼10 μm) surrounded by Mg17Al12 intermetallic grains in the α-Mg grain boundaries (having an average size of 1–2 μm). This complex, composite microstructure became a homogeneous (Mg + 6% Al)), recrystallized, equiaxed grain (10–15 μm) microstructure in the weld zone.
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Esparza, J.A., Davis, W.C. & Murr, L.E. Microstructure-property studies in friction-stir welded, Thixomolded magnesium alloy AM60. Journal of Materials Science 38, 941–952 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022321107957
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022321107957