Structure-property correlation for friction stir welded joints of 2219Al alloys microalloyed with Cd

Present study aimed at experimental investigation of microstructural evolution, microhardness profile, tensile and impact properties of friction stir welded (FSW) joints of 2219Al alloys microalloyed with varying (up to 0.1 wt%) Cd contents. FSW was performed on the cast and homogenized alloys. Microstructural analysis from weld line up to base metal, identified three sequential heat affected weld zones having separate grain morphologies, namely Weld Nugget Zone (WNZ), Thermo-Mechanical Affected Zone (TMAZ) and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). Vickers microhardness value increased from weld line towards the WNZ, then decreased towards the TMAZ, and finally increased through HAZ towards the base metal, which exhibited higher hardness compared to all the heat affected weld zones. Microhardness, yield and tensile strengths of the FSW joint of 2219Al alloy increased, due to microalloying with 0.06 wt% of Cd contents, which was attributed to continuous grain refinement. While tensile ductility and toughness, and impact toughness of the welded joint reduced, resulting from trace additions of Cd. Investigated alloys retained significant mechanical strength, ductility and toughness, on the respective joints, following to the FSW operation. Cd was observed to be a potential microalloying element to control the microstructure, refine grain size and improve mechanical strength and hardness of the welded joint of 2219Al alloy. Present experimental results established a structure-property correlation, in order to validate potential application of FSW technique on investigated 2219Al alloys with trace additions of Cd, to attain desirable weld-quality avoiding welding imperfections.