Effect of excimer laser surface treatment on corrosion resistance of aluminum 2009/SiC_wcomposite

Excimer laser surface treatment was utilized to improve the corrosion resistance of an Al-2009/SiCwcomposite. After laser treatment, the corrosion potential of the composite was increased to a more noble level, and the corrosion current was greatly decreased. This is considered to be due to the reduction of SiC whiskers and Cu-bearing compounds in the laser-modified layer. Moreover, the N2-treated specimen exhibited a much greater resistance to corrosion than the air-treated specimen. This was attributed to the formation of the AlN phase in the laser-modified layer.