Surface modification of Zr–Nb alloy by nanosecond pulse laser processing

The effect of nanosecond pulse laser processing of the Zr–1% Nb alloy surface of specimens in the annealed state and after their two-stage deformation treatment by abc-pressing and rolling has been investigated. The morphology of the modified surface of specimens is described using optical and scanning microscopy. Furthermore, the microrelief formed as a result of vaporization and melting of a thin layer of material subjected to laser processing is evaluated quantitatively. Durometric measurements were conducted to ascertain the hardness of the near-surface layer and the impact of laser-induced shock waves on its hardness. The electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) analysis data were employed to describe the structure of the specimens in the near-surface layer. The influence of the initial grain size on the quality of the modified surface, as well as on the depth and hardening of the near-surface layers has been established.