Corrosion behavior of a laser-welded NiTi shape memory alloy

Corrosion behaviors of the laser-welded Ni-49.4 at.% Ti shape memory alloy and base metal in 0.9% NaCl solution were investigated by means of electrochemical techniques (the open circuit potential measurement, linear and potentiodynamic polarizations). The results showed that corrosion resistance of the laser-welded NiTi alloy is better than that of the base metal. Compared to the base metal, the laser-welded NiTi alloy exhibits higher open circuit potential, higher polarization resistance, a wider passive region and higher breakdown potential. The improvement of corrosion resistance of the laser-welded NiTi alloy is ascribed to a smoother, defect free surface and an absence of carbides. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.