Modification of anodised aluminium surfaces using a picosecond fibre laser for printing applications.
The use of an ultrafast fibre laser at a wavelength of 1064 nm has allowed the surface modification of anodised aluminium plates coated with a 2 micron thick anodised layer for potential industrial applications. The micro- and nano-scale structuring of the anodised aluminium using picosecond pulses of approximately 25 ps duration at 200 kHz repetition rate was investigated. The interaction of the laser with the substrate created a hydrophilic surface, giving a contact angle of less than 10 degrees. On examination under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), a morphology created due to laser induced spallation was observed. It has been found that these laser processed hydrophilic surfaces revert to a hydrophobic state with time. This has potential for application in the printing industry and offers reusability and sustainability of the process materials. This has been confirmed in initial trials.
Lairdside Laser Engineering Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Birkenhead, CH41 9HP UK.
I A
IA
Ansari
K G
KG
Watkins
M C
MC
Sharp
R A
RA
Hutchinson
R M
RM
Potts
J
J
Clowes
D000535:Aluminum / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation / Q000528:radiation effects; D054802:Molecular Imprinting / Q000379:methods*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000528:radiation effects
D000535:Aluminum