ABSTRACT
A review of the main results found in the literature of the effect of laser surface modification (including melting, alloying and cladding types of treatments) on the corrosion performance of different metallic materials is presented. This survey as well as the personal experience of the authors that have participated in two EC (Eurpoean Community) funded programmes related to this topic lead to the conclusion that the success of the treatment depends on the type of process. Thus, surface cladding seems to have stronger potential for industrial applications than the other two types of treatment.
