Influence of shot peening on stress corrosion cracking in 1100 – H12 aluminum alloy

Shot peening is a widely used technique for improving the surface characteristics such as the hardness and the tensile strength of metal components. The continuous random impact of the shot exposes the treated metal surface to a high level of deformation. In this paper, the influence of shot peening on the static stress corrosion of aluminum alloy (1100 – H12) was investigated. The tests were carried out using standard specimens under various shot peening times. A high cold working condition minimizes the mechanical and thermal stability of the beneficial compressive layer, creating a surface that is more chemically active and susceptible to corrosion. The results of the study showed an increase in the tensile strength values of the studied material, with a maximum increasing time of 18 minutes. The best improvement of the mechanical properties of the material against corrosion was also noted within 18 minutes of peening.