Enhancing grain refinement and corrosion behavior in AZ31B magnesium alloy via stationary shoulder friction stir processing

Stationary shoulder friction stir processing (SSFSP) in thick AZ31B magnesium alloy was performed to refine the microstructure followed by evaluating corrosion behavior. The use of stationary shoulder exhibited low heat input and small temperature gradient across the thickness of stir zone (SZ). Moreover, smooth surface morphology with little flash was obtained. The probe-dominated SZ developed fine equiaxed uniform grain structure across the thickness of SZ, which in turn increased the corrosion resistance of SSFSPed alloy as compared to BM. SSFSPed alloy surface confirm uniform corrosion behavior with mud cracking and intergranual corrosion patterns instead of pitting corrosion in BM. This improvement in corrosion was attributed to homogenization of magnesium alloy microstructure by using low-heat-input stationary shoulder tool.