Laser surface texturing and tribological behaviour under solid lubrication on titanium and titanium alloy surfaces

Abstract

Surface textures with dimple and groove were fabricated on titanium and its alloy surfaces by a Nd:YAG pulsed laser. The effect of laser parameters on the two types of texture morphologies was investigated. The unidirectional sliding tests were carried out for the Ti6Al4V surface under solid lubrication conditions and the effect of dimple density from 5% to 30% was examined. The results show that laser parameters have a significant effect on the size and depth of texture for titanium and its alloy surfaces. Comparing with the untextured surface, the longevity of solid lubricant film on the textured surface is prolonged by 90% at least. The beneficial effect of dimples is to act as solid lubricant reservoirs under solid lubrication.