Electrochemical assessment of laser heat treatment of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

Abstract

The effect of laser heat treatment on the corrosion properties of the 7075 aluminum alloy was studied electrochemically. Laser retrogression and re‐aging (LRRA) is proposed to replace the retrogression treatment of retrogression and re‐aging. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the microstructure of the alloy. The corrosion of the alloy treated using different LRRA parameters was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Using the polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, it was concluded that the best corrosion resistance was obtained by the alloy treated at 2 mm/s with a laser power of 650 W. The spacing between the precipitate‐free zone and grain boundary precipitates increased. It is proved that the laser process can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of the 7075 alloy.