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Effect of Post-Weld Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded T-Joint between AA6061 and Steel

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Abstract:

Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) was investigated to evaluate its effects on dissimilar friction stir welded (FSWed) T-joints of AA6061 and low carbon steel. The non-PWHT joint was compared with four PWHT conditions involving solution treatment, quenching, natural aging, and subsequent artificial aging at 0-12 hours. Microstructural characterization revealed a largely continuous Al/steel interface in the non-PWHT joint, while PWHT promoted interfacial cracking and modified precipitation behavior in the stir zone and heat-affected zone of AA6061. Hardness increased monotonically with aging time, reaching ~95–100 HV after PWHT artificial aging at 12 hours. Tensile strength peaked at 212MPa after 4 hours of artificial aging, while maximum strain decreased from ~9% to ~5.3% after 12 h artificial aging, indicating ductility loss under prolonged aging. Fracture location after PWHT consistently occurred at SZ, highlighting a critical failure region governed by joint geometry and microstructural heterogeneity.

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Periodical:

Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 175)

Pages:

87-93

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-ABit9b

Citation:

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Online since:

May 2026

Authors:

Quan Minh Nguyen*, Dang Hai Phan, Thuyen Phi Van, Dinh Van Nguyen, Hao Dinh Duong, Nam Hoai Quach, Tra Hung Tran, Phu Duy Nguyen

Keywords:

AA6061, Friction Stir Welding, Joint Strength, Microstructural Evolution, Steel, T-Joint, Welding Defect, Welding Interface

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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* - Corresponding Author

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