Evaluation of corrosion resistance of AA6082-T651 aluminium alloy after laser shock peening by means of cyclic polarisation and ElS methods

► Laser shock peening (LSP) showed enhanced corrosion resistance of AA6082 alloy. ► After LSP nobler steady-state potential over longer time period was achieved. ► LSP enabled larger region of passivity with improved ability for repassivation. ► LSP reduced pitting and completely prohibited the initiation of large surface pits. ► XPS results confirmed modification of thin surface film after LSP.