Transient liquid phase bonding of magnesium alloy (Mg – 3Al – 1Zn) using copper interlayer

The mechanism, microstructure and mechanical properties of transient liquid phase (TLP) bonded magnesium alloy (Mg – 3Al – 1Zn) joints using copper interlayers in an argon atmosphere have been investigated. The formation process of the TLP joint comprises a number of stages: plastic deformation and solid state diffusion, dissolution of the interlayer and base metal, isothermal solidification and homogenisation. The composition profiles and microstructures of the joint depend on the bonding time at a temperature of 530°C. With an increase in bonding time from 10 to 60 min, the concentration of copper and the amount of CuMg₂ compound in the joint decrease. For longer bonding times, the most pronounced features of the joint are composition homogenisation, grain coarsening and elimination of the bond line within the joint centre. The presence of brittle CuMg₂ and grain coarsening of the joint are the main reasons for impairing the joint shear strength. A joint shear strength of 70.2 MPa, which is 85.2% of the base metal strength (82.4 MPa), can be achieved by bonding at 530°C for 30 min.