Liquid-phase assisted laser preparation of 304 stainless steel surface texture and tribological properties evaluated

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study a new liquid-phase assisted texture treatment method to improve the tribological properties of 304 stainless steel. Design/methodology/approach Three groups of textured type (KY, KJ and YJ) were prepared on 304 stainless steel surface using laser circular and cross scanning method in air and liquid assisted condition. The surface morphology and element content of test samples were measured with scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum. Then, the tribological test was carried out using MWF-500 reciprocating friction and wear testing machine under dry and oil lubrication condition. Findings The experimental results showed that the textured surface of laser processing in air was obviously blackened, and the oxygen content was increased from 16.9% to 24%. These cases did not occur on liquid-assisted laser textured surface, which induced a better wettability and surface texture processing quality. For friction test, the friction coefficient of cross-scanning textured surface prepared in assisted liquid (YJ) was the smallest. It is reduced by 55% in oil lubrication case compared to the original surface (YS). The cross-scanning textured surface prepared in air (KJ) was a little worse in friction coefficient and a little better in wear quantity than the cross-scanning textured surface prepared in assisted liquid (YJ). It is indicated that the laser processing surface with assisted liquid has obvious advantages in surface texture quality and interfacial tribological property. The main reason is that the assisted liquid plays a role in cooling and protecting action of the machined surface. The bubbles, generated at the solid–liquid interface because of the laser heat effect, scatter the laser beam and carry out the processed melt meanwhile. The lubricating medium is easier to penetrate and store in the contact interfaces because of the higher surface textured performance and wettability. Originality/value The main contribution of this work is in providing a new surface texture processing method that has a better surface micropits quality and interfacial tribology regulation ability.