Micro-texturing of polymer surfaces using lasers: a review

Abstract Micro- and nanoscale structures produced on surfaces of metals, polymers, ceramics, glasses have many important applications in different fields such as engineering, medical, biological, etc. Laser ablation using ultrashort pulses has become the prominent technique for generating surface various functional applications. Ultrashort laser proved to be ideal producing with dimensions down nanometre scale. In comparison other texturing techniques employed create micro/nano features electrochemical machining, micro-milling, ion-beam etching, hot embossing, lithography, mechanical texturing, produces high-quality at low cost a one-step non-contact process. Advantageous characteristics polymers high strength-to-weight ratio, non-corrosive nature, electrical thermal resistance, made preferred choice compared materials (e.g., steel, aluminium, titanium) several application. As result, been great interest researchers. This paper reviews current state-of-the art research recent progress starting from laser-material interaction, polymer properties influenced by laser, methods, achievable functionalities adhesion, friction, self-cleaning, hydrophilicity commonly used polymeric materials. It also highlights capabilities drawbacks micro-texturing while identifying texture geometries that can generated these techniques. general, objective this work is present thorough review modification variety industrially polymers. Since direct interference patterning an emerging area, considerable attention given aim forming basis follow-up could pave way potential technological ideas optimization towards obtaining complex high-resolution future novel