Effect of laser shot peening without coating on the surface properties and corrosion behavior of 316L steel

► LPwC significantly enhanced the magnitude of compressive stress. ► Surface roughness of LPwC specimens are directly correlated with pulse density. ► Vickers microhardness showed a maximum of 40% increase than unpeened specimen. ► Corrosion potential (Ecorr) shift towards noble direction. ► Corrosion current (Icorr) and hence corrosion rate increased with pulse density.