Corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of cold metal transfer welded dissimilar AA7075-AA5754 alloys

Abstract

Cold metal transfer (CMT) welding is a brand-new arc welding technique which shows adequate results for welding of thin sheets and dissimilar materials. Corrosion behavior of dissimilar aluminum joints should be determined in terms of predicting the effect of welding process on the possible failures in their constructions caused by corrosive agents. The present study investigates the effect of heat input on mechanical properties and corrosion rate of AA5754-AA7075 joints welded by CMT using ER5356 filler wire. Pore formation was observed not only in the weld metal but also in the partially melted zone of AA7075 base metal due to the vaporization of zinc. Increased heat input caused over aging and zinc vaporization in AA7075 base metal, and grain coarsening in AA5754 base metal consequently decreased the tensile strength. The average tensile strength of AA7075-AA5754 joints varies between 235 and 240 MPa. The ductile fracture occurred at the AA5754 base metal side in all samples. Pitting was observed as the dominant corrosion mechanism. Corrosion resistance tended to increase with increasing heat input. Heat input values between 95 and 110 J/mm are recommended for the optimization of corrosion resistance and strength.

Keywords

AA5754 alloy / AA7075 alloy / aluminum / corrosion / Tafel / tensile strength / dissimilar welding

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