Formation of wear resistance surface alloyed layers on AZ31B substrate using TIG welding technique

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process has been employed to produce surface alloyed layers on preplaced magnesium substrate (AZ31B) with Al to improve wear resistance. The effect of TIG heat input on geometry, porosity and dilution of the surface alloyed layers has been investigated. Characterization of the surface alloyed layers have been carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, energy dispersive spectroscopy, microhardness and wear resistance testing. The microstructures of the surface alloyed layers showed the presence of Mg17Al12 based intermetallic compound within the α-Mg matrix. A maximum microhardness value of 170 HV was found in the surface alloyed layer, which is around three times of that of the substrate material (50 HV). Wear tests exhibited the better performance of the surface alloyed AZ31B than the untreated material.

Formation of wear resistance surface alloyed layers on AZ31B substrate using TIG welding technique Keywords:

TIG , surface alloying , magnesium , aluminum , wear