Picosecond-laser processing of stainless steel for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces

Abstract

We create a high-precision surface microstructure at the surfaces of SAE 304 stainless steel plates, using picosecond-laser pulses with high repetition rates. The surfaces acquire cross-groove patterns due to a line-by-line laser ablation technology. The wettability of the microstructured metal surface is studied. The microstructured surface provides a superhydrophobicity with good anticorrosion and antibacterial properties, which can extend significantly the scope of applications of the underlying material.