Microstructure, microhardness and corrosion resistance of remelted TiG2 and Ti6Al4V by a high power diode laser

The high strength, low density and superior corrosion resistance allow titanium alloys to be widely employed in different industrial applications. The properties of these alloys can be modulated by different heat treatments, including laser processing. In the present paper, laser remelting treatments, performed with a high power diode laser, were applied to samples of two titanium alloys (TiG2 and Ti6Al4V). The influence of the applied laser fluence on microstructure, microhardness and corrosion resistance is investigated. Results show that laser remelting treatments with appropriate fluences provoke microstructural changes leading to microhardness increase and corrosion resistance improvement.

► Laser remelting of TiG2 and Ti6Al4V is performed with argon shielded diode laser. ► Microstructure, microhardness and corrosion of remelted samples are deeply analysed. ► Microstructural changes of laser remelted TiG2 lead to microhardness increase. ► Remelted Ti6Al4V presents microhardness increase and corrosion improvement. ► Martensite depth in remelted Ti6Al4V is linearly proportional to laser fluence.