MODIFYING SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYAMIDE6.6 BY USING LST TECHNIQUE

Surface texturing is a highly effective method for enhancing the tribological performance of engineering materials. Laser surface texturing (LST) has generated significant interest owing to its exceptional flexibility, excellent texturing precision, and effective controllability. This study examines the surface characteristics of two polymers, PA66 and PA66 reinforced with glass microspheres, after the laser surface texturing. The samples to be textured were obtained by injection moulding. According to microscopic surface analysis, the laser texturing technique produces uniform and controllable surfaces characterized by well-defined patterns, and the material behavior is influenced by factors such as the number of passes and the thermal distribution during the process. Microindentation analysis reveals that material structure, pattern type and number of passes significantly influence surface hardness and penetration depth. The addition of glass microspheres improves the hardness, and the tests demonstrate the reliability of the methodology and its relevance for optimizing the texturization of polymer surfaces. Scratch tests highlight variations in A-COF depending on material, pattern and number of passes. PA6.6 and reinforced PA6.6 react differently, indicating influences on roughness and hardness. The results emphasize the need to adjust texturing parameters to optimize material properties.