Impact of age hardening on the corrosion characteristics of dissimilar aluminum alloys welded using an innovative MIG welding approach

Abstract

An innovative metal transfer technique in MIG welding was utilized to join aluminum-based alloys such as 6061 and 5083. Following welding, the specimens underwent heat treatment to explore their corrosion resistance by modifying their microstructure. Tafel polarization curve analysis was employed to evaluate the corrosion performance of the weld zone. The findings indicated that finer microstructures in the weldment led to a notable shift towards less negative corrosion potentials compared to coarser microstructures observed in the as-welded condition. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to investigate the microstructural morphology and phase identification of the weld zone. The findings of these tests revealed a link between microstructure and corrosion behaviours.