Microstructure and enhanced atomic diffusion of friction stir welding aluminium/steel joints

Lap joints of friction stir welding between aluminium and stainless steel sheets were conducted using a welding tool with a cutting pin. The atomic diffusion of Fe–Al system during the severe plastic deformation was investigated. The interfacial microstructure and metallurgical reaction was analysed. The metallurgical reaction layers were identified as a compounds containing a phase of Al₃Fe, partial solid solution of Fe and Al, and amorphous with a thickness of 0.9–3.3 μm which depending on the process parameters. The interdiffusion coefficient between Al and Fe atoms is about 4 orders of magnitude compared with that under thermal equilibrium state. The nanocrystalline and partial amorphous were formed near the interface which may caused by the enhanced atomic diffusion.