In this study, using
molybdenum sulfide (MoS
2
) as laser-sensitive
particles and poly(propylene) (PP) as the matrix resin, laser-markable
PP/MoS
2
composite materials with different MoS
2
contents ranging from 0.005 to 0.2% were prepared by melt-blending.
A comprehensive analysis of the laser marking performance of PP/MoS
2
composites was carried out by controlling the content of
laser additives, laser current intensity, and the scanning speed of
laser marking. The color difference test shows that the best laser
marking performance of the composite can be obtained at the MoS
2
content of 0.02 wt %. The surface morphology of the PP/MoS
2
composite material was observed after laser marking using
a metallographic microscope, an optical microscope, and a scanning
electron microscope (SEM). During the laser marking process, the laser
energy was absorbed and converted into heat energy to cause high-temperature
melting, pyrolysis, and carbonization of PP on the surface of the
PP/MoS
2
composite material. The black marking from carbonized
materials was formed in contrast to the white matrix. Using X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy,
and Raman spectroscopy, the composite materials before and after laser
marking were tested and characterized. The PP/MoS
2
composite
material was pyrolyzed to form amorphous carbonized materials. The
effect of the laser-sensitive MoS
2
additive on the mechanical
properties of composite materials was investigated. The results show
that the PP/MoS
2
composite has the best laser marking property
when the MoS
2
loading content is 0.02 wt %, the laser marking
current intensity is 11 A, and the laser marking speed is 800 mm/s,
leading to a clear and high-contrast marking pattern.