Corrosion prevention on metal surfaces through surface modification strategies

Kucuk O. F., POYRAZOĞLU O.

JOURNAL OF POLYTECHNIC-POLITEKNIK DERGISI, cilt.29, sa.4, 2026 (ESCI)

Özet

This study investigates surface modification techniques for protection metal surfaces against corrosion through both a comprehensive literature review and experimental analysis. Corrosion, defined as the degradation of metals under environmental influences, represents a critical engineering challenge leading to substantial economic losses worldwide. Surface modification methods such as coating, oxidation, and electrochemical treatments significantly improve durability but also pose limitations in terms of cost and applicability. In this work, AISI 4140 steel and EN-AW-6061 aluminum alloys were subjected to different surface modification techniques, and their corrosion behavior was evaluated using the ASTM B117 salt spray test. The results revealed that coating homogeneity and surface preparation play decisive roles in corrosion resistance, while aluminum demonstrates superior long-term protection due to its natural oxide film. Overall, the findings highlight that surface modification should not be regarded solely as a protective measure but as an integral part of material selection and holistic design strategies.