Phase constitution in the interfacial region of laser penetration brazed magnesium–steel joints

The phase constitution in the interfacial region of laser penetration brazed magnesium–steel joints was investigated using electron microscopy. From the distribution of elements, the transition zone was mainly composed of elements Mg and Fe along with some Al and O. Furthermore, the transition layer consisted mainly of intermetallic compounds and metal oxides. The compounds were identified as Al-rich phases, such as Mg17Al12, Mg2Al3, FeAl and Fe4Al13. More noteworthy was that the thickness of the transition layer was determined by Fe–Al compounds. The presence of FeAl and Fe4Al13 was a result of the complex processes that were associated with the interfacial reaction of solid steel and liquid Mg–Al alloy.