Papers by Author: Grant McAdam

Abstract: In the present study, surface melting of a magnesium alloy, ZE41, was performed with an Nd:YAG laser, using different laser parameters (scan rate and beam type). The microstructure of the laser treated and untreated specimens were characterised by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The degree of microstructural refinement and melt depth was found to be a function of the laser scan rate. Electrochemical characterisation of the different laser treated specimens along with the untreated alloy was performed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The laser treated specimens and untreated alloy showed similar corrosion resistance.

Abstract: In the present study, surface melting of a magnesium alloy, ZE41 (4%-Zn, 1%-RE) is performed by an Nd:YAG laser (operating in a continuous wave mode). The degree of microstructural refinement and the depth of the laser melted zone is a strong function of laser processing parameters (laser power, beam diameter, scan rate). The corrosion properties of the laser treated and untreated zone is investigated by potentiodynamic polarization method. The microstructural changes on the surface due to laser surface melting were analysed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to understand their effect on the corrosion behaviour of ZE41.