Surface Characterization of Laser Processing of Ti6Al4V in Air and Underwater

Abstract

Material processing, using water contact laser technology, can enhance the machining, welding, or cutting quality. In this paper, we explore the alteration of Titanium alloy (Ti₆Al₄V) surface properties by nanosecond-pulsed laser-processing method in water and air, under various conditions. In this work, we adopt several analysis approaches, such as crater width, surface morphology, oxidation, and wettability. The results show that, in the case of laser processing in the air up to 500 mJ with 50 pulses, the laser parameters enhance the hydrophilicity. The processing environment would also impact the crater width, shape, and distribution of the created surface structures. Conversely, the surface oxygen content significantly raises on the laser-irradiated surfaces. According to these results, it is more logical to conclude that all of these cooperative chemical and physical changes increase the surface wettability and cause it to be more hydrophilic.