Modification of the corrosion behavior of engineering alloys by ion implantation

Ion implantation is emerging as a powerful and unique approach to corrosion protection. Several studies have demonstrated that the corrosion resistance of a number of ferrous and nonferrous commercial grade engineering alloys can be improved by ion implantation with suitable elements. This paper will review recent studies carried out in this laboratory and elsewhere in which the localized and general corrosion behavior of bearing steels, stainless steels and aluminum alloys have been significantly improved by ion implantation. The potential industrial application of this technique will be considered.