Effect of annealing on microstructure and tensile properties of AZ31/6013 composite sheets

In this study, AZ31/6013 composite sheets were produced via hot roll bonding and annealed to investigate microstructural evolution and mechanical properties at the interface. Using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, interface microstructures were analyzed. Annealing at 400°C for 2 h resulted in the formation of two diffusion layers, each approximately 100 μm thick. The intermetallic compounds Al3Mg2 and Mg17Al12 exhibited elastic moduli of 68.649 GPa and 74.857 GPa, respectively, with Al3Mg2 demonstrating a higher average hardness (4.353 GPa compared to 4.157 GPa for Mg17Al12). Subsequent annealing at 200°C for 4 h led to improved tensile properties, achieving a peak strength of 176.7 MPa and an elongation of 19.1%.