Laser surface alloying of magnesium base alloys to improve the corrosion and wear properties

Abstract

This work demonstrates the general feasibility of laser alloying of magnesium base alloys with aluminium, copper, nickel and silicon. With laser alloying the hardness can be increased to values above 250 HV with melted depths from 700 to 1200 μm. Alloying contents from 15 to 55 at.% were achieved. The wear resistance of the alloyed surface layers was tested using the scratch test method. Investigations on the corrosion behaviour of the layers were carried out using the salt water immersion test. The results of the investigation showed the greatest improvement in wear resistance for copper alloyed layers, whereas aluminium alloyed layers showed a superior corrosion resistance.This work demonstrates the general feasibility of laser alloying of magnesium base alloys with aluminium, copper, nickel and silicon. With laser alloying the hardness can be increased to values above 250 HV with melted depths from 700 to 1200 μm. Alloying contents from 15 to 55 at.% were achieved. The wear resistance of the alloyed surface layers was tested using the scratch test method. Investigations on the corrosion behaviour of the layers were carried out using the salt water immersion test. The results of the investigation showed the greatest improvement in wear resistance for copper alloyed layers, whereas aluminium alloyed layers showed a superior corrosion resistance.