Laser surface texturing and characterization of austenitic stainless steel for the improvement of its surface properties

Laser surface texturing (LST) is widely explored for modifying the topography of various materials. In this study, a detailed investigation laser textured surfaces produced on austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304) was carried out. Three different textures (square, parallel, perpendicular) were by Ti sapphire laser. The processed characterized morphology, phase structure, microhardness, roughness, and wettability. A ball-on-disk tribometer used to study tribological performance both untextured samples. experimental observations demonstrate that LST improves wettability roughness. Average roughness (Ra) increased 350% contact angle reduced from 43° 22°. show lower coefficient friction better wear resistance than surface. Out investigated patterns, square exhibited maximum reduction 68% in 50% rate.