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 (S 2 PD) 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 S 2 PD for the purpose of enhancing Al alloys’ corrosion resistance. Findings S 2 PD 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 Al 2 O 3 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 S 2 PD provides a novel strategy for corrosion protection of Al alloys, especially in the enhancement of localized corrosion resistance.