Laser Surface Texturing on Nickel-Aluminium-Bronze Alloy for Improving the Hydrophobicity

The laser-assisted surface engineering approach to produce hydrophobic surfaces on the metals is exponentially increasing over the last decade. In this study, nanosecond pulsed Nd³⁺:YAG laser was used to form a linear and non-linear micro-channel textured surface on the surface of Nickel-Aluminium-Bronze metal which is extensively used for marine applications. Contact angle measurement was performed on both non-textured and textured surfaces using a contact angle meter and its hydrophobic behavior was studied. A linear and non-linear textured surface was produced. Initially, the effect of linear micro-channel spacing and re-deposition layer on hydrophobicity was analyzed. Then the inside surface of the linear micro-channel was produced as a periodic surface structure and its influence on hydrophobicity was studied. A non-linear micro-channel containing protruding type structure was also laser textured and its hydrophobic nature was studied. The plain non-textured surface showed a contact angle of 92º. A maximum contact angle of 166º was observed on a non-linear micro-channel containing protruding type pattern.