Informatics and Engineering Systems Faculty Publications
Study of segregation and intermetallic compounds at the weld metal-base metal interface in galvanized AHSS steel: Impact on joint integrity
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-15-2026
Abstract
Pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW-P) is increasingly used to join galvanized advanced high-strength steels in automotive manufacturing; however, liquid metal embrittlement (LME) remains a critical reliability issue due to zinc (Zn) transport under lap-joint confinement. This study compares conventional gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and GMAW-P on galvanized CP780 lap joints using three variants within a controlled heat-input window (Q = 202–242 J/mm) and pulsing parameters (Ip = 283–313 A, f = 8–10 Hz). Macro/microstructural characterization by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) shows that Zn vaporization and restricted venting increase interfacial pressure, promoting Zn-driven LME with cracks localized at the weld–lower-plate interface. Moderate pulsing (283 A, 8 Hz) reduced crack extension, whereas higher Ip/f promoted longer interfacial crack paths and Mn–Ti–Al–Si segregation films along crack walls. Fe–Zn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) were qualitatively inferred from SEM/EDS morphology and compositional trends as contributors to interfacial degradation.
Recommended Citation
García-Ochoa, Carlos Adrián, Maleni García-Gómez, Jorge Alejandro Verduzco-Martinez, Francisco Fernando Curiel-Lopez, Víctor Hugo Lopez-Morelos, José Jaime Taha-Tijerina, and Julio Cesar Verduzco-Juárez. "Study of segregation and intermetallic compounds at the weld metal-base metal interface in galvanized AHSS steel: Impact on joint integrity." MRS Advances(2026): 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43580-026-01601-y
Publication Title
MRS Advances
DOI
10.1557/s43580-026-01601-y
Comments
Reprints and permissions
https://rdcu.be/fh8Mj