Thermal Fatigue Behaviour of Co-Based Alloy Coating Obtained by Laser Surface Melt-Casting on High Temperature Alloy

A thermal fatigue behaviour of Co-based alloy coating obtained by laser surface meltcasting on the high temperature alloy GH33 was studied.The results show that after each time of thermal cycling,the final residual stress was formed in the melt-casting layer which is attributed to the thermal stress and structural stress.Through the first 50 times of thermal cycling,the morphology of coating still inherits the laser casting one,but the dendrites get bigger;After the second 50 times of thermal cycling,corrosion pits emerge from coating,and mostly in the places where coating and substrate meet.The fatigue damage type of coating belongs to stress corrosion.

Triboelectric‘electrostatic tweezers'for manipulating droplets on lubricated slippery surfaces prepared by femtosecond laser processing

The use of‘Electrostatic tweezers'is a promising tool for droplet manipulation,but it faces many limitations in manipulating droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces.Here,we achieve noncontact and multifunctional droplet manipulation on Nepenthes-inspired lubricated slippery surfaces via triboelectric electrostatic tweezers(TETs).The TET manipulation of droplets on a slippery surface has many advantages over electrostatic droplet manipulation on a superhydrophobic surface.The electrostatic field induces the redistribution of the charges inside the neutral droplet,which causes the triboelectric charged rod to drive the droplet to move forward under the electrostatic force.Positively or negatively charged droplets can also be driven by TET based on electrostatic attraction and repulsion.TET enables us to manipulate droplets under diverse conditions,including anti-gravity climb,suspended droplets,corrosive liquids,low-surface-tension liquids(e.g.ethanol with a surface tension of 22.3 mN·m^(-1)),different droplet volumes(from 100 nl to 0.5 ml),passing through narrow slits,sliding over damaged areas,on various solid substrates,and even droplets in an enclosed system.Various droplet-related applications,such as motion guidance,motion switching,droplet-based microreactions,surface cleaning,surface defogging,liquid sorting,and cell labeling,can be easily achieved with TETs.

Influence of laser parameters on the microstructures and surface properties in laser surface modification of biomedical magnesium alloys

Biodegradable implants from magnesium(Mg)alloys have emerged in the biomedical field especially in the orthopedic and cardiovascular stent applications owing to their low density,high specific strength,excellent machinability,good biocompatibility,and biodegradability.The primary shortcoming of Mg-based implants is their low corrosion resistance in the physiological environment,which results in premature mechanical integrity loss before adequate healing and the production of excessive hydrogen gas,which is harmful to the body tissues and negatively affects the biocompatibility of the implant.Laser surface modification has recently received attention because it can improve the surface properties such as surface chemistry,roughness,topography,corrosion resistance,wear resistance,hydrophilicity,and thus cell response to the surface of the material.The composition and microstructures including textures and phases of laser-treated surfaces depend largely on the laser processing parameters(input laser power,laser scan velocity,frequency,pulse duration,pressure,gas circulation,working time,spot size,beam focal position,and laser track overlap)and the thermophysical properties of the substrate(solubility,melting point,and boiling point).This review investigates the impacts of various laser surface modification techniques including laser surface melting,laser surface alloying,laser cladding,laser surface texturing,and laser shock peening,and highlights their significance in improving the surface properties of biodegradable Mg alloys for implant applications.Additionally,we explore how different laser process parameters affect its composition,microstructure,and surface properties in each laser surface modification technique.

Laser processing effects on Ti−45Nb alloy surface,corrosive and biocompatible properties

The Ti−45Nb(wt.%)alloy properties were investigated in relation to its potential biomedical use.Laser surface modification was utilized to improve its performance in biological systems.As a result of the laser treatment,(Ti,Nb)O scale was formed and various morphological features appeared on the alloy surface.The electrochemical behavior of Ti−45Nb alloy in simulated body conditions was evaluated and showed that the alloy was highly resistant to corrosion deterioration regardless of additional laser surface modification treatment.Nevertheless,the improved corrosion resistance after laser treatment was evident(the corrosion current density of the alloy before laser irradiation was 2.84×10^(−8)A/cm2,while that after laser treatment with 5 mJ was 0.65×10^(−8)A/cm2)and ascribed to the rapid formation of a complex and passivating bi-modal surface oxide layer.Alloy cytotoxicity and effects of the Ti−45Nb alloy laser surface modification on the MRC-5 cell viability,morphology,and proliferation were also investigated.The Ti−45Nb alloy showed no cytotoxic effect.Moreover,cells showed improved viability and adherence to the alloy surface after the laser irradiation treatment.The highest average cell viability of 115.37%was attained for the alloy laser-irradiated with 15 mJ.Results showed that the laser surface modification can be successfully utilized to significantly improve alloy performance in a biological environment.

Effects of laser energy on the surface quality and properties of electrodeposited zinc-nickel-molybdenum coatings

As a substitute for toxic cadmium coatings in the aerospace industry,zinc-nickel coatings have excellent application prospects,and their properties can be improved by adding molybdenum.In this study,laser-assisted electrodeposition is used to improve the surface quality and properties of Zn–Ni–Mo coatings,with investigation of how laser energy in the range of 0–21.1μJ affects their element content,surface morphology,crystal phase,microhardness,residual internal stress,and corrosion resistance.The laser irradiation accelerates the electrodeposition,refines the grain size,improves the hydrogen adsorption,and reduces the residual tensile stress,and a laser energy of 15.4μJ gives the highest Ni and Mo contents and the lowest Zn content,as well as the optimum surface morphology,microhardness,residual internal stress,and corrosion resistance of the coating.

Surface Integrity of Inconel 738LC Parts Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting Followed by High-speed Milling

This study is concerned with the surface integrity of Inconel 738LC parts manufactured by selective laser melting(SLM)followed by high-speed milling(HSM).In the investigation process of surface integrity,the study employs ultradepth three-dimensional microscopy,laser scanning confocal microscopy,scanning electron microscopy,electron backscatter diffractometry,and energy dispersive spectroscopy to characterize the evolution of material microstructure,work hardening,residual stress coupling,and anisotropic effect of the building direction on surface integrity of the samples.The results show that SLM/HSM hybrid manufacturing can be an effective method to obtain better surface quality with a thinner machining metamorphic layer.High-speed machining is adopted to reduce cutting force and suppress machining heat,which is an effective way to produce better surface mechanical properties during the SLM/HSM hybrid manufacturing process.In general,high-speed milling of the SLM-built Inconel 738LC samples offers better surface integrity,compared to simplex additive manufacturing or casting.

Impressive strides in amelioration of corrosion behavior of Mg-based alloys through the PEO process combined with surface laser process: A review

The unsatisfactory corrosion properties of Mg-based alloys pose a significant obstacle to their widespread application. Plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO) is a prevalent and effective coating method that produces a ceramic-like oxide coating on the surface of Mg-based alloys,enhancing their resistance to corrosion. Research has demonstrated that PEO treatment can substantially improve the corrosion performance of alloys based on magnesium in the short term. In an effort to enhance the corrosion resistance of PEO coatings over an extended period of time, researchers have turned their attention to the use of laser processes as both pre-and post-treatments in conjunction with the PEO process. Various laser processes, such as laser shock melting(LSM), laser shock adhesion(LSA), laser shock texturing(LST), and laser shock peening(LSP), have been investigated for their potential to improve PEO coatings on Mg substrates and their alloys. These laser melting processes can homogenize and alter the microstructure of Mg-based alloys while leaving the bulk material unchanged, thereby modifying the substrate surface. However, the porous and rough structure of PEO coatings, with their open and interconnected pore structure, can reduce their long-term corrosion resistance. As such, various laser processes are well-suited for surface modification of these coatings. This study will first examine the PEO process and the various types of laser processes used in this process, before investigating the corrosion behavior of PEO coatings in conjunction with laser pre-and post-treatment processes.

Green Vertical‑Cavity Surface‑Emitting Lasers Based on InGaN Quantum Dots and Short Cavity

Room temperature low threshold lasing of green GaNbased vertical cavity surface emitting laser(VCSEL)was demonstrated under continuous wave(CW)operation.By using self-formed InGaN quantum dots(QDs)as the active region,the VCSEL emitting at 524.0 nm has a threshold current density of 51.97 A cm^(-2),the lowest ever reported.The QD epitaxial wafer featured with a high IQE of 69.94%and theδ-function-like density of states plays an important role in achieving low threshold current.Besides,a short cavity of the device(~4.0λ)is vital to enhance the spontaneous emission coupling factor to 0.094,increase the gain coefficient factor,and decrease the optical loss.To improve heat dissipation,AlN layer was used as the current confinement layer and electroplated copper plate was used to replace metal bonding.The results provide important guidance to achieving high performance GaN-based VCSELs.

Laser surface melting AZ31B magnesium alloy with liquid nitrogen-assisted cooling

Laser surface melting（LSM） is a high-energy surface treatment that allows modification of the microstructure and surface properties of Mg alloys. In the present work, an attempt of LSM on magnesium alloy with liquid nitrogen-assisted cooling（LNSC） was carried out to get the higher cooling rate and improve the surface properties. The experimental results were compared with those of Ar gas protection at room temperature. The samples after LSM with LNSC resulted in a thinner melted layer, a highly homogeneous, refined melted microstructure and formed a lot of worm-like nanocrystals and local amorphous structures. Microhardness of the melted layer with LNAC was improved to HV 90-148 as compared to HV 65-105 of the samples with Ar gas protection. The corrosion resistance of the melted layer in a 3.5% Na Cl solution（mass fraction） was improved because of the grain refinement and redistribution of β-Mg17Al12 phases following rapid quenching associated with the process.

Lateral Oxidation in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers

Lateral oxidation in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers （VCSELs） is described,and its characteristics are investigated.A linear growth law is found for stripe mesas. However, oxide growth （above 435℃ ） follows a nonlinear law for the two geometry mesa structures which we employ in VCSEL. Theoretical analysis indicates that mesa structure geometry influences oxide growth rate at higher temperatures.

High Slope Efficiency and High Power 850nm Oxide-Confined Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers

High slope efficiency and high power selected oxide-confined 850nm VCSELs grown by MOCVD are reported.The slope efficiency and the threshold current respectively are 0 82mW/mA and 2 59mA with a 9μm diameter oxidation aperture at 25℃.The maximum power of 16mW is obtained at 23mA current bias.The minimum threshold current can be as low as 570μA with a 5μm diameter oxidation aperture at 25℃.The maximum saturated power is 5 5mW.

Carnivorous plants inspired shape-morphing slippery surfaces

Carnivorous plants,for instance,Dionaea muscipula and Nepenthes pitcher plant,inspired the innovation of advanced stimuli-responsive actuators and lubricant-infused slippery surfaces,respectively.However,hybrid bionic devices that combine the active and passive prey trapping capabilities of the two kinds of carnivorous plants remain a challenge.Herein,we report a moisture responsive shape-morphing slippery surface that enables both moisture responsive shapemorphing and oil-lubricated water repellency for simultaneous active-and passive-droplet manipulation.The moisture deformable slippery surface is prepared by creating biomimetic microstructures on graphene oxide(GO)membrane via femtosecond laser direct writing and subsequent lubricating with a thin layer of oil on the laser structured reduced GO(LRGO)surface.The integration of a lubricant-infused slippery surface with an LRGO/GO bilayer actuator endows the actuator with droplet sliding ability and promotes the moisture deformation performance due to oil-enhanced water repellency of the inert layer(LRGO).Based on the shape-morphing slippery surface,we prepared a series of proof-of-concept actuators,including a moisture-response Dionaea muscipula actuator,a smart frog tongue,and a smart flower,demonstrating their versatility for active/passive trapping,droplet manipulation,and sensing.

Prediction and sensitivity analysis of the surface quality in Ni60/WC coatings

For laser cladding a large temperature gradient easily weakened the surface quality by generating cracks and irregular coating surfaces,which in turn affected the bearing capacity and corrosion resistance of coatings in the rapid heating and cooling process.The response surface methodology(RSM)was used to predict coating cracks by changing the powder ratio,energy density,and preheating temperature,which obtained the relevant mathematical model.After that,the sensitivity of the crack length to process parameters was analyzed based on the sensitivity analysis method.The effect of Ni60/WC composite powder process parameters on the surface quality was revealed in laser cladding.The crack length first decreased and then increased,and the Smooth decreased with the increased powder ratio.The crack length and Smooth increased with the increased energy density.The crack length decreased and Smooth increased with the increased preheating temperature.Sensitivity analysis showed that the crack length and Smooth were the most sensitive to the powder ratio.Therefore,the process parameters were reasonably selected to control the surface quality.The mathematical model and sensitivity analysis method in the work could improve the surface quality,which provided a theoretical basis for the prediction and control of laser cladding cracks.

Wind dynamic environment and wind-sand erosion and deposition processes on different surfaces along the Dunhuang–Golmud railway,China

The Dunhuang–Golmud railway passes through different deserts in arid areas,especially drifting-sand desert and sandy-gravel Gobi.The near-surface wind environment and wind-sand transport process vary due to different external factors,such as topography,vegetation,and regional climate,resulting in evident spatial differences in surface erosion and deposition.Consequently,the measures for preventing wind-sand hazards will differ.However,the mechanism and control theory of sand damage remain poorly understood.In this study,we used meteorological observation,three-dimensional(3D)laser scanning,and grain-size analysis to compare and evaluate the spatial distribution of wind conditions,sand erosion and deposition patterns,and grain composition in the drifting-sand desert and sandy-gravel Gobi along the Dunhuang–Golmud railway in China.Results show that the annual mean wind speed,the frequency of sand-driving wind,and the drift potential of sandy-gravel Gobi are higher than those of drifting-sand desert,indicating a greater wind strength in the sandy-gravel Gobi,which exhibits spatial heterogeneity in wind conditions.The major sediment components in sandy-gravel Gobi are very fine sand,fine sand,and medium sand,and that in drifting-sand desert are very fine sand and fine sand.We found that the sediment in the sandy-gravel Gobi is coarser than that in the drifting-sand desert based on mean grain size and sediment component.The spatial distributions of sand erosion and deposition in the sandy-gravel Gobi and drifting-sand desert are consistent,with sand deposition mainly on the west side of the railway and sand erosion on the east side of the railway.The area of sand deposition in the drifting-sand desert accounts for 75.83%of the total area,with a mean deposition thickness of 0.032 m;while the area of sand deposition in the sandy-gravel Gobi accounts for 65.31%of the total area,with a mean deposition thickness of 0.028 m,indicating greater deposition amounts in the drifting-sand desert due to the presence of more fine sediment components.However,the sand deposition is more concentrated with a greater thickness on the embankment and track in the sandy-gravel Gobi and is dispersed with a uniform thickness in the drifting-sand desert.The sand deposition on the track of the sandy-gravel Gobi mainly comes from the east side of the railway.The results of this study are helpful in developing the preventive measures and determining appropriate selection and layout measures for sand control.

Laser cleaning of steel structure surface for paint removal and repaint adhesion

Paint removal from steel structure is executed for shipyards of marine and offshore engineering.Due to environmental unfriendliness and unhealthy drawbacks of sand blasting technique, laser ablation technique is proposed as a substituting method.By absorbing high energy of the 1064 nm pulsed laser, the paint is vaporized quickly.The ablated debris is then collected by using a suction pump.Initial metal surface of the steel is exposed when laser beam irradiates perpendicularly and scans over it.The cleaned surface fulfills the requirements of surface preparation standards ISO 8501 of SA2.The adhesion is further characterized with pull-off test after carrying out painting with Jotamastic 87 aluminum paint.The repainting can be embedded onto the laser cleaned surface to bond much more tightly.The excellent adhesion strength of 20 MPa between repainted coating and the substrate is achieved, which is higher than what is required by shipyards applications.

Surface hardening of Fe-based alloy powders by Nd:YAG laser cladding followed by electrospark deposition with WC-Co cemented carbide

This paper presents the results of a study concerned with the surface hardening of Fe-based alloys and WC-8Co cemented carbide by inte- grating laser cladding and the electrospark deposition processes. Specimens of low carbon steel were processed firstly by laser cladding with Fe-based alloy powders and then by electrospark deposition with WC-SCo cemented carbide. It is shown that, for these two treatments, the electrospark coating possesses finer microstructure than the laser coating, and the thickness and surface hardness of the electrospark coating can be substantially increased.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Bionic Non-Smooth Stainless Steel Surface by Laser Multiple Processing

Laser multiple processing, i.e. laser surface texturing and then Laser Shock Processing (LSP), is a new surface processing technology for the preparation of bionic non-smooth surfaces. Based on engineering bionics, samples of bionic non-smooth surfaces of stainless steel 0Crl 8Ni9 were manufactured in the form of reseau structure by laser multiple processing. The mechanical properties (including microhardness, residual stress, surface roughness) and microstructure of the samples treated by laser multiple processing were compared with those of the samples without LSP The results show that the mechanical properties of these samples by laser multiple processing were clearly improved in comparison with those of the samples without LSP The mechanisms underlying the improved surface microhardness and surface residual stress were analyzed, and the relations between hardness, comnressive residual stress and roughness were also presented.

YAG laser welding with surface activating flux

YAG laser welding with surface activating flux has been investigated, and the influencing factors and mechanism are discussed. The results show that both surface activating flux and surface active element S have fantastic effects on the YAG laser weld shape, that is to obviously increase the weld penetration and D/W ratio in various welding conditions. The mechanism is thought to be the change of weld pool surface tension temperature coefficient, thus, the change of fluid flow pattern in weld pool due to the flux.

Picosecond Laser Surface Texturing of a Stavax Steel Substrate for Wettability Control

In this investigation,a picosecond laser was employed to fabricate surface textures on a Stavax steel substrate,which is a key material for mold fabrication in the manufacturing of various polymer products.Three main types of surface textures were fabricated on a Stavax steel substrate:periodic ripples,a two-scale hierarchical two-dimensional array of micro-bumps,and a micro-pits array with nanoripples.The wettability of the laser-textured Stavax steel surface was converted from its original hydrophilicity into hydrophobicity and even super-hydrophobicity after exposure to air.The results clearly show that this super-hydrophobicity is mainly due to the surface textures.The ultrafast laserinduced catalytic effect may play a secondary role in modifying the surface chemistry so as to lower the surface energy.The laser-induced surface textures on the metal mold substrates were then replicated onto polypropylene substrates via the polymer injection molding process.The surface wettability of the molded polypropylene was found to be changed from the original hydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity.This developed process holds the potential to improve the performance of fabricated plastic products in terms of wettability control and easy cleaning.

Analysis of Laser Surface Hardened Layers of Automobile Engine Cylinder Liner

Gray cast iron that is used for automobile engine cylinder liners was laser surface hardened using Nd ： YAG quasi-continuous and CO2 continuous wave laser, respectively. The macromorphology and microstructure of the laser surface hardened layers were investigated using an optical microscope. Geometric dimensions including depth and width and microhardness distribution of the hardened layers were also examined in order to evaluate the quality of the hardened layers.