Recent Developments in the Application of Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatments for Improved Gradient Structures: Processing Parameters and Surface Reactivity

Abstract

After a short recall of various techniques that use shots to induce surface severe plastic deformation and a brief survey of the advantages of having a gradient structure for mechanical properties, this manuscript presents recent developments taking advantages of the “reactivity” of these modified surfaces in the fields of corrosion, “duplex” surface treatments as well as potential applications for an easier activation of H-storage materials. The importance of controlling the processing parameters (including temperature) to get the optimum gradient structure depending on the desired applications as well as the necessary requirements for a high quality microstructure and chemical characterizations are also highlighted.