LASER PASSIVATION OF METAL SURFACES

1 . A method of using laser energy for treating a metal work-piece to modify chemical properties of a surface of the metal work-piece comprising the steps of:

applying a material to a surface of a metal work-piece wherein the material is corrosive with respect to the surface; and

improving a resistance to corrosion of the surface by initiating a chemical reaction between the corrosive material and the surface with a laser.

2 . The method of claim 1 wherein said applying step is further defined as:

spraying a solution of water and at least one of sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, and potassium nitrite on the surface; and

drying said solution prior to said improving step.

3 . The method of claim 1 wherein said applying step is further defined as:

submerging the surface in a solution of water and at least one of sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, and potassium nitrite.

4 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

combining a surfactant with the material prior to said applying step.

5 . The method of claim 1 wherein said improving step includes the step of:

directing a diode laser at the surface.

6 . The method of claim 1 wherein said applying step and said improving step are further defined as occurring concurrently.

7 . The method of claim 1 wherein said applying step is further defined as:

applying a non-hazardous material to the surface of the metal work-piece wherein the material is corrosive with respect to the surface.

8 . The method of claim 1 wherein said improving step is further defined as:

forming a chemically converted layer at the surface integral with the metal work-piece.