Effect of excimer laser surface melting on the corrosion performance of a SiCp/Al metal matrix composite

Excimer laser surface melting (LSM) was performed to improve the corrosion resistance of the SiCp/AA2124 metal matrix composite (MMC). Corrosion evaluation of the MMCs showed evident improvement of the corrosion resistance after LSM, which was mainly attributed to the formation of a highly homogeneous surface layer with the dissolution of intermetallic particles and the redistribution of the alloying elements, as well as Si and C resulted from the decomposition of SiC particles. The elimination of micro-pores and micro-crevices introduced by the SiC particles after LSM also contributed to the improved corrosion resistance of the MMC.