Electrochemical response of laser surface melted inconel 617 alloy

Inconel 617 alloy has superior high temperature properties and finds application in thermal systems. The alloying elements of chromium and molybdenum make the alloy resistant to corrosion. In the present study, the corrosion properties of Inconel 617 alloy, after 37,000h of operation as a transition piece in the gas turbine engine, are examined. The workpiece surfaces are treated using an Nd:YAG pulsed laser. The electrochemical tests are carried out in 0.1N H2SO4+0.05N NaCl deairated aqueous solution at room temperature. It is found that the laser treated workpieces result in improved corrosion rates. The locally scattered shallow pits are observed at the workpiece surface after the electrochemical tests.