A Novel Laser and Plasma Hybrid Technique for Surface Modification

A new technique for surface modification has been developed that incorporates plasma spraying coupled with CO2 laser irradiation simultaneously. The microstructural defects associated with plasma spraying have been significantly controlled with the laser beam irradiation. The tribological properties of the spraying synthesised films were evaluated by a sliding test under lubrication with oil. Results exhibit that it is quite possible to produce high performance tribo-material possessing better adhesiveness and low percentage of micro-porosity. Analytical results by XRD suggest that a metastable state is formed by laser irradiation during spraying process, which is closely related to anti-wear and low friction mechanisms.