Exfoliation susceptibility of aluminum alloys joined by Friction Stir Welding (FSW)

Abstract

In the present study, the exfoliation susceptibility of a commercial Al-Cu-Li alloy of the third generation, AA2098-T351, joined by FSW was investigated according to ASTM G34 standard practice and the results were compared with the results of the parent material. Susceptibility to exfoliation attack was classified by the depth of attack penetration. The cross-sections of the samples after test were observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the penetration depth of corrosion attack. A comparison to conventional Al-Cu alloys (AA2024-T3/T351) was carried out and the results showed that the Al-Cu-Li alloy tested (AA2098-T351) was more susceptible to exfoliation. Besides, exfoliation susceptibility varied with each welded zone and the active zones remained active for long periods of time after removal from the test solution when the attack continuously propagated in the corrosion front.