Laser alloyed Al-W coatings on aluminum for enhanced corrosion resistance

A tungsten precursor deposit was spray coated on aluminum 1100 substrate and was subsequently surface alloyed using a continuous wave diode-pumped ytterbium laser at varying laser energy densities. For the laser energy input of 21-32 J/mm2 the melt depth ranged between 135 and 150 μm. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated the formation of uniform and continuously dense laser alloyed coatings with sound interface between the modified surface and substrate along with an equi-axed grain structure with second phase precipitates in the intergranular region. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that laser processing has resulted in the formation of Al4W, as the major phase with retention of W in Al within the alloyed region. The corrosion resistance of laser alloyed coatings was evaluated in near natural chloride solution using ac and dc electrochemical techniques. After laser processing potential-time measurements has indicated the relatively stable and high potential values over the longer exposure times. Cyclic polarization results showed the reduction in the corrosion current density by a factor of 8, compared to untreated Al 1100. Besides, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the increase in the total resistance (47-70 kΩ cm2) with the increase in the laser energy density.