Laser nanostructuring of robust and anti-corrosion surface and biomedical applications

In recent years, laser-based surface nanostructuring (LSN) technique is widely used in the fabrication of functional surface. In this study, a systematic experimental investigation was carried out on the surface integrity for aluminum (Al) AA 6061 alloy using LSN technique. First, the morphology and chemistry of LSN surface were explored. The experimental results indicate that due to the effects of both chemical etching and attachment of functional groups whose surface energy is relatively low, the LSN technique generates both surface nanostructures and surface chemistry with low surface energy. The LSN surface with superhydrophobicity achieved on AA 6061 alloy also exhibits strong capability to repel water and blood. It is further experimentally demonstrated that compared with those of untreated surface, the LSN technique significantly improves both the microhardness and anticorrosion performance of surface; therefore, this technique effectively enhances the mechanical strength, wear resistance as well as corrosion resistance of AA 6061 alloy; meanwhile, the technique produces random nanostructures, and desirable chemistry and wettability for the surface, which strengthens the surface integrity of Al alloy. This study can provide key and insightful guidance for the application of LSN surface in diverse areas including marine engineering and biomedicine.