Effect of heat treatment of the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of welded joints in high-strength aluminium–lithium alloys

Abstract

Experimental results show that the maximum level of strength characteristics is obtained in complete heat treatment (quenching + artificial ageing) after welding. The heat treatment of friction stir welded joints results in the equalization of the structural heterogeneity and removal of softening in the heat-affected zone. Post-weld heat treatment conditions have almost no effect on the protective properties of non-metallic inorganic coatings. The susceptibility to intercrystalline corrosion (ICC) of welded joints with anodic oxide and chemical oxide coatings is also eliminated.