Study on the Effect of Laser Cleaning Power and Scanning Frequency on Surface Properties and Coating Adhesion of ASTM A36 Steel

Surface conditioning is essential for improving coating adhesion and corrosion resistance in marine infrastructure. While abrasive blasting remains conventional, its environmental and health drawbacks have prompted the development of cleaner surface technologies. This study investigates fiber laser cleaning as a sustainable, high-precision alternative for ASTM A36 steel commonly used in maritime platforms. The experiment explores the influence of laser power (600–1000 W) and scanning frequency (60–100 Hz) on surface morphology and coating adhesion. Results reveal a non-linear correlation between parameters and surface roughness (Ra: 60–98 µm), transitioning from anisotropic, scan-aligned textures at lower power to isotropic microstructures at higher power. Adhesion strength varied between 5.8 and 12.3 MPa, governed more by surface texture complexity than by Ra magnitude alone. The findings establish a process–structure–property linkage, demonstrating how laser-induced topographies enhance mechanical interlocking and interfacial energy compatibility key factors for coating durability. Ultimately, this study positions laser cleaning as an efficient, scalable surface modification method. It bridges the gap between fundamental material understanding and industrial application, providing a technical basis for optimizing laser parameters toward predictive modelling, energy-efficient maintenance, and advanced corrosion mitigation in marine surface engineering.