Improved corrosion and wear resistance of Mg alloys via laser surface modification of Al on AZ31B

► Surface of AZ31B Mg was modified with Al powder by laser direct melting technique. ► Highly corrosion and wear resistant Al12Mg17 phase was formed within the coatings. ► XRD, SEM, TEM and EDS techniques were used to characterize the coatings. ► No significant change in corrosion and wear behavior within the processed regime.