Laser-based texturing and modification technologies for engineering demands in low-temperature environment: Materials, systems, and applications

The exploration activities in terrestrial cryo-environments require high-performance engineering equipment that can work in temperatures below 0 °C. However, the mechanical properties of engineering materials are often challenged by low temperatures, resulting in failures, such as corrosion, fracture, and wear. Laser surfacing is a typical method for enhancing the surface properties of engineering materials to withstand cold. This paper systematically reviews the recently developed materials, systems, and laser-based texturing and modification technologies for low-temperature applications. The engineering materials for low-temperature usages were summarized, and the influence of the temperature on the mechanical properties of steel, alloys, composites, and ceramics was analyzed. Different laser systems for shaping variant material surfaces were investigated based on a comprehensive survey of laser systems that can operate in a low-temperature environment. The role of surfacing technologies in low-temperature applications, including surface micro-texturing, cleaning, and strengthening, was discussed. Titanium alloys offer superior low-temperature properties but have inferior weldability. Cryogenic laser shock peening significantly enhances material properties compared to room-temperature treatment by suppressing element diffusion, inducing nano-crystalline/amorphous structures, and leveraging thermal stress self-equilibrium effects to optimize strength-toughness balance and hardness synergistically. Laser surfacing technologies enhance the corrosion resistance, anti-adhesion properties, and wear resistance of low-temperature metals.