Corrosion resistance of laser treated titanium alloy with B4C particles at the surface

Laser treatment of pre-prepared titanium alloy surface is carried out and electrochemical response of the treated surface is analyzed. B4C particles are located in a carbon film at the workpiece surface prior to the laser treatment process. Morphological and metallurgical changes are examined in the laser treated layer using analytical tools. Potentiodynamic tests are carried out to assess the corrosion rate of the treated surface. It is found that the laser treated surface is free from large-scale asperities such as large size cracks and cavities. Laser treatment significantly improved the corrosion resistance of the surface. The presence of B4C particles contributes to microhardness enhancement at the treated surface; however, the particles do not demonstrate any adverse effect on the corrosion resistance of the surface.