Effect of Microstructure on the Corrosion Resistance of TIG Welded 1579 Alloy

The paper studies microstructure, chemical composition and corrosion activity of the tungsten inert gas welded joint of the Al-Mg-Sc alloy. An intensive corrosion attack of the heat affected zone (HAZ) was found due to precipitation of secondary phases at recrystallized grain boundaries. The ccorrosion process initiated along the boundary of α-Al grains, where a high concentration of anodic (Mg(2)Si and Mg(2)Al(3)) and cathodic phases ((MnFe)Al(6)) was observed. Increased temperatures during welding led to coalescence of the anodic phases in HAZ. Additionally, HAZ was found to be enriched with hard intermetallic compounds (Mg(2)Si and (MnFe)Al(6)). This area had a higher microhardness (930 MPa) compared to base metal (BM, 895 MPa) and fusion zone (FZ, 810 MPa). The volume fraction of secondary phases was 26% in BM, 28% in FZ and 38% in HAZ. The average grain size increased in the following order: (9 ± 3) µm (BM) < (16 ± 3) µm (HAZ) < (21 ± 5) µm (FZ). A plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating of aluminum-based material was applied to protect the weld from oxidation. The PEO-coating provided a high corrosion protection in the aggressive Cl(−)-containing environment.