Formation of zinc interlayer texture during dissimilar ultrasonic spot welding of magnesium and high strength low alloy steel

Ultrasonic spot welding (USW) of AZ31B-H24 magnesium alloy sheet to high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel sheet with a zinc interlayer was successfully achieved. Thin layer of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of Mg7Zn3, Mg2Zn11 and MgZn2 were present at the interface between magnesium and zinc substrate, while at the other interface (iron and zinc), no IMCs were found. A single crystal-like strong basal crystallographic texture in a zinc interlayer...