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

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.