Effect of Ultrasonic Cleaning after Laser Texturizing of Surface of AISI 316L Steel on the Degree of Wetting and Corrosion Resistance

Abstract

One of the most common current processing methods in various scientific studies is the modification of surfaces of various structural materials via laser radiation (laser ablation technique). The laser texturizing of metal surfaces is one of the promising applications for the creation of hydrophobic surfaces with a high water contact angle, increased corrosion resistance, and other properties. This paper reports the results of experimental studies to determine the effect of ultrasonic surface cleaning after laser texturizing on the degree of wetting and corrosion resistance of AISI 316L steel. The results show that ultrasonic cleaning leads to the removal of micro-/nano-sized particles formed on the surface following the laser texturizing of roughness. This effect, in turn, helps us to obtain higher values for the water contact angle and to increase the corrosion resistance.