Corrosion property of Al alloys subjected to surface severe plastic deformation: a review

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the influences of surface severe plastic deformation (S²PD) on the electrochemical corrosion, pitting corrosion, intergranular corrosion, stress corrosion cracking of aluminum (Al) alloys and attempt to correlate the microstructural/compositional changes with the performances.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a novel gradient design of structure/composition caused by S²PD for the purpose of enhancing Al alloys’ corrosion resistance.

Findings

S²PD has a significant effect on corrosion behavior of Al alloys through tuning the grain size, residual stress, composition, grain boundary phase and second phase particle distribution.

Originality/value

Although Al alloys are known to form a protective Al₂O₃ film, corrosion is a major challenge for the longevity of Al structures across numerous industries, especially for the infrastructures made of high-strength Al alloys. Traditional strategies of improving corrosion resistance of Al alloys heavily relied on alloying and coatings. In this review, gradient design of structure/composition caused by S²PD provides a novel strategy for corrosion protection of Al alloys, especially in the enhancement of localized corrosion resistance.

Citation

Chen, J., Guo, X., Liu, H., Lv, X., Fan, S., Wu, L., Cao, F. and Sun, Q. (2023), "Corrosion property of Al alloys subjected to surface severe plastic deformation: a review", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 70 No. 6, pp. 503-512. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-06-2023-2829