A Comparison between Tungsten Inert Gas Welded Joints Welded by Commercial ER5183 Filler and Al–Mg–Zn–Sc–Zr–Mn Filler on Microstructure and Properties in 7075-T651 Aluminum Alloys

Abstract

A 7075-T651 aluminum alloy was successfully welded by tungsten inert gas welding using commercial ER5183 wire and Al–5Mg–1Zn–0.3Sc–0.15Zr welding wire containing different contents of Mn. The microstructure, corresponding mechanical properties, and the corrosion behavior of the welded joint were investigated by microscopy methods, tensile tests, and corrosion tests. The results revealed that Al3(Sc,Zr) particles were distributed in a small amount in the welds and refined the primary α-Al grain. The addition of Mn gives a strong interaction of improving fracture strength, micro-hardness, and corrosion resistance reducing the harmful influence of iron, as a result, the properties of the welded joint were enhanced. And the increase of Mn content improves the tensile strength and hardness of welds, which could be attributed to the refinement of eutectic T phase by Mn. Potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed that the corrosion resistance of welds increased with the increase of Mn content. Compared with the welded joint using commercial filler, the welded joint with Al–Mg–Zn–Sc–Zr–Mn filler exhibited a higher resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In conclusion, Al–Mg–Zn–Sc–Zr–Mn filler can be using for welding 7XXX aluminum alloys.