Removal of layers of corrosion from steel surfaces: A qualitative comparison of laser methods and mechanical techniques

A series of steel substrates with precisely grooved surfaces were produced and subsequently corroded under controlled conditions. The oxidized surfaces were then cleaned by one of eight methods, three of which were mechanical (brushing, micro blasting with Al2O3 or glass) and five of which were laser dependent (TEA CO2 or Nd:YAG laser with or without surface water). Surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy have been used to compare the cleaned surfaces with the original surface geometries. The relative efficacy of the eight cleaning methods has been qualitatively compared for three different types of grooved surface and three different levels of corrosion.