Electrochemical testing of laser treated bronze surface

Electrochemical testing of laser treated bronze surface is carried out and corrosion resistance of the surface is assessed. Morphological and metallurgical changes in the laser treated layer are examined using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The pit sites formed at the surface are analyzed using scanning electron microscope. It is found that laser treatment improves the corrosion resistance of the treated surface. Fine grains are formed in the surface region of the laser treated layer, which are attributed to the large cooling rates from the surface.

► Laser treated surface is free from asperities.
► Laser treated layer extends uniformly below the surface with a thickness in the order of 40 μm.
► Presence of Cu3N nitrides is evident from X-ray diffractogram.
► Dendritic structure is formed below the surface due to relatively slower cooling rates as compared to that at the surface.
► The corrosion current density for the laser treated surface is much less than that of the as-received surface.