Product Code: ICA12_1805

Characterization of the Corrosion Performance of Aluminium Laser Alloyed with Stellite-6 and Zirconium Powders
Authors:
Given Rambau, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane Univ. of Technology; Pretoria Southwest Africa
Patricia Popoola, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane Univ. of Technology; Pretoria Southwest Africa
Tebogo Mathebula, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane Univ. of Technology, Center for Scientific and Industrial Research - National Laser Centre; -
Sisa Pityana, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane Univ. of Technology, Center for Scientific and Industrial Research - National Laser Centre; Pretoria Southwest Africa
Presented at ICALEO 2012

Light metals have found intense use in the automobile industries, however, the surface properties of aluminium is still unsatisfactory for many purposes. The corrosion performance of aluminium laser alloyed with a combination of zirconium and stellite 6 powders were investigated. Laser surface alloying was carried out using Nd: YAG solid state laser. Characterization of the resultant microstructure was carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopes. Experimental results revealed novel properties due to the microstructure evolved. The addition of these powders to aluminium solid solution retarded the ingress of destructive chloride ions onto the aluminium matrix. This action increased the electrode potential; decreased the anodic activation and promoted the formation of stable passivation on the surface of aluminium. Significant increase in the corrosion performance of the substrate was achieved.