Ultrafast Laser Texturing of Stainless Steel in Water and Air Environment

Ultrafast laser texturing allows the generation of micro- and nanostructures on steel substrates. Laser-ablated textures show a wide range of structure geometries, from the micro to the nanoscale, which can enable plastic product functionalization. Polymer processing technologies are used to replicate mold textures on a large manufacturing scale. To enable new product functionalities, developing novel texture geometries is critical. The laser-ablated texture dimensions are primarily linked to the laser light properties, such as the laser wavelength, thus limiting the achievable structure shapes. This work uses ultrafast laser to manufacture textures in air and water environments. The effect of the different mediums on structures formation is characterized. The irradiation is performed over a wide range of fluence values. The texture geometry and characteristics are evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. For decreasing fluence values, the structures transitioned from micro bumps, to LIPSS, to nanostructures, regardless of the irradiation environment. Conversely, structure morphology is affected by the irradiation environment. The LIPSS pitch is lower for the underwater environment due to the change in the laser angle of incidence, which changes with the refraction index ratio of the air and water. A novel nano-lamellae texture was generated when irradiating the steel surface underwater at relatively low fluence. The dynamics of different LIPSS generations are discussed, considering the irradiation medium’s optical, thermal, and physical properties. © 2022, The Author(s).