Yb-fiber laser beam effects on the surface modification of Al–Fe aerospace alloy obtaining weld filet structures, low fine porosity and corrosion resistance

Yb-fiber laser beam was used successfully to irradiate Al–1.5wt.% Fe alloy, modifying its surface to improve its corrosion resistance for aerospace applications. Laser-treated samples were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX), and low-angle X-ray diffraction (LA-XRD), and tested by Vickers microhardness. The alloy's corrosion resistance was tested by exposure to H2SO4 solution, Tafel plots, polarization, and corrosion potentials. The results reveal the formation of weld filet structures with metastable phases and finely dispersed precipitates. The creation of a finely porous layer of protective coating produced during the rapid remelting process contributed to increase the corrosion resistance of laser-treated samples when compared with untreated samples. The Yb-fiber laser beam technology applied to the surface treatment of aluminum alloys proved efficient in augmenting their corrosion resistance, thus deserving further investigation for aerospace and automotive applications.