Study on the impact of welding on the corrosion properties of AA 6061 T6

Abstract

Aluminium alloy 6061 T6 circular specimens were joined using TIG welding method. AlMg5 was used as filler. The corrosion behavior of welded and un-welded AA 6061 T6 was investigated using potentiodynamic and open circuit potential (OCP) measurements. Specimens were immersed in 3.5 (wt %) NaCl solution. Different zones with different corrosion properties were created as a result of the welding process. Results reveals that sever pitting corrosion has taken place on the heat affected zone (HAZ); the corrosion current of HAZ was increased. The measured potential of HAZ was more negative and largely fluctuated comparing to base metal (BM).