Influence of surface quality on corrosion resistance of stainless steel and aluminum alloy butt welds after innovative finishing
摘要
The maintenance properties of machine parts rely on a system of surface quality parameters, including geometrical, mechanical properties, and surface structure. This study examines how corrosion properties – a critical aspect of maintenance – depend on key surface quality parameters of butt-welded joints post-finishing. The research compares traditional grinding with an innovative post-weld finishing method. Corrosion results from material thermodynamic instability during manufacturing; over time, materials tend toward a more stable oxidized state. Welded joints pose significant corrosion fatigue challenges due to their structural complexity, material heterogeneity, and stress concentration, underscoring the study’s importance. Test samples of AISI 304 L, AISI 316 L, EN AW-5058 H321, and EN AW-7075 T651 were butt-welded and finished with both methods. Surface morphology and roughness were characterized using a Zeiss Smart Zoom 5 digital microscope and an Alicona Infinite Focus G6 optical profilometer, enabling both 2D and 3D topographic analysis. Residual stresses were measured using the ProtoiXRD Combo X-ray diffractometer, and microhardness was determined with a NEXUS 4303 Vickers tester. Metallographic investigations were carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical corrosion testing was conducted in 3.5% NaCl solution at 20 °C using a three-electrode system and an Autolab PGSTAT 302 N potentiostat. Tafel curve extrapolation, conducted via NOVA2 software, was used to calculate corrosion potential (Ecorr) and current density (Icorr). Results showed that the innovative finishing method improves surface uniformity and reduces tensile residual stresses, leading to enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly in stainless steel specimens. The findings demonstrate that post-weld surface condition plays a key role in controlling corrosion behavior and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed finishing method in improving the integrity and longevity of welded joints.