Laser ablation of phosphor bronze for superhydrophobic surface

Abstract

Copper alloys have antibacterial characteristics and improved hydrophobicity of alloy surface minimises the strains left over by the infected fluids, which is vital for hygienic concerns in medical applications. In the present study, laser ablation of phosphor bronze surface is carried out to improve surface hydrophobicity. Morphology and metallurgy of the laser ablated surfaces are characterised using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The surface texture is analysed incorporating atomic force microscopy. Surface hydrophobicity is assessed through the contact angle measurements. Residual stress formed in the ablated region is determined using the X-ray diffraction technique and the friction coefficient of the ablated surface is evaluated via scratch tests. The findings reveal that laser ablation of phosphor bronze provides superhydrophobic surface, high hardness, reasonably low residual stresses and low friction coefficient. The average contact angle of 140u is resulted at the laser ablated surface, which is significantly higher than that of as received surface.

3D-MID Technology for Surface Modification of Polymer-Based Composites: A Comprehensive Review

“…In addition, the surface layer properties of polymeric materials also related to the laser ablation. Basically, the laser ablation is based on physicochemical changes induced by the laser radiation and resulted in tearing off fragments of the irradiated surface layer in the ablation process [ 227 , 228 , 229 , 230 , 231 ]. In the laser ablation of polymeric materials, there are two main process, photochemical and photothermal that may proceed simultaneously.…”

Why self-cleaning is important for solar thermal receivers?

“…In order to generate hierarchical surface texture by a high energy beam, melting and evaporation of the surface become necessary. In addition, to avoid surface cracking, self‐annealing effect needs be created on the textured surface . This involves with forming the closely spaced laser scanned tracks on the treated layer.…”

“…In addition, to avoid surface cracking, selfannealing effect needs be created on the textured surface. 1,5 This involves with forming the closely spaced laser scanned tracks on the treated layer. Hence, heat conduction from recently formed laser scanning tracks modifies the cooling rates in the initially formed neighboring tracks.…”

“…One of the methods to create surface texture consisting of micro/nano pillars is to use the laser beam ablation. This results in hierarchical distribution of surface texture with desired pillar heights . In addition, laser surface texturing offers significant advantages over the conventional techniques.…”

“…This results in hierarchical distribution of surface texture with desired pillar heights. 1 In addition, laser surface texturing offers significant advantages over the conventional techniques. Some of these advantages include fast processing, precision of operation, and low cost.…”