Influence of laser shock peening on the surface energy and tribocorrosion properties of an AZ31B Mg alloy

The present study investigates the influence of laser shock peening (LSP) on surface energy (SE) of AZ31B Magnesium alloy and its resilience to corrosion and tribocorrosion. AZ31B alloy was treated at different laser intensities. The S E and its interfacial components of treated surfaces were analyzed. The SE was found to be least at low laser intensity LSP. Lower interfacial SE showed decreased wettability, providing enhanced tribocorrosion resistance with respect to untreated surface. However, higher laser intensities increased the surface roughening effect, causing an increase in the interfacial SE and wettability of the surfaces, decreasing the tribocorrosion resistance. The study finds LSP can enhance tribological properties and mitigate the effects of corrosion and tribocorrosion.