Surface modification of metal surface using pico-second laser irradiation and investigation of its tribological properties

Abstract

To implement the cutting and surface modification in one machining process, we proposed a surface modification technique with short pulse laser of small size that could be easily mounted onto cutting machining. With the laser irradiation and cutting oil as the carbon source, a hard-carbonaceous layer formed on the metal workpiece is expected. Herein, a titanium alloy disk in PAO was irradiated by a pico-second laser. Results showed that the hardness of irradiated area significantly increased, the formation of titanium carbide was confirmed with XRD. In the reciprocating friction test, the irradiation part showed improved wear resistance and lower friction with the increase of laser pulses.