THE EFFECTS OF LASER CLEANING PROCESS ON GEOMETRICAL MICROSTRUCTURE OF CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES

The paper presents part of the larger study on laser cleaning process. A special emphasis is placed on the modification of geometrical microstructure of cementitious composites resulting from cleaning process. A wide range of samples characterised with different internal microstructures, surface roughness, and moisture content were subjected to laser cleaning process, and a subsequent assessment. Removal of mortar, cracks and glassy patches were the characteristic features of all laser-cleaned areas. Systematic analysis of surface modifications resulting from laser cleaning confirmed a strong relationship between initial roughness of surfaces and their end conditions. An increase in initial surface roughness leads to more pronounced alterations in roughness and reduced tendency towards crack formation.