On the local corrosion behavior of coupled welded zones of the 2098-T351 Al-Cu-Li alloy produced by Friction Stir Welding (FSW)

Abstract

Localized electrochemical methods supported by surface analytical characterizations were employed to investigate galvanic coupling effects and local electrochemical activity developed along the welded zones in Friction Stir Welded 2098-T351 Al-Cu-Li alloy. The investigation was carried out in the coupled weld joint/heat affected zones (WJ/HAZ) for both, the retreating (RS) and the advancing (AS) sides. The correlation between the surface chemistry, the microstructural characteristics and the electrochemical activity of these welded areas was studied. The results showed the development of galvanic interactions within and between the WJ and HAZ regions, which were imaged using the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET), and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). SVET analyses showed that HAZ was more susceptible to the development of anodic sites than WJ. SECM in amperometric operation mode showed that WJ coupled to HAZ exhibited higher oxygen consumption and higher cathodic activity compared to HAZ. Furthermore, SECM in potentiometric operation showed alkalinization around WJ and increased acidity in HAZ, mainly at sites of severe localized corrosion (SLC). Based on the SVET and SECM results in combination with the surface analyses, it is proposed that the microgalvanic cells formed within these welded zones are due to the presence of secondary phases in the 2098-T351 alloy and their interactions with the adjacent matrix.