The study of tribological properties of laser-textured surface of 2024 aluminium alloy under boundary lubrication

The tribological property of aluminium alloy is critical for its reliable operation in practical applications. In this paper, the tribological performance of laser-textured 2024 aluminium alloy is studied in unidirectional sliding tests under boundary lubrication. The dimples were produced on the aluminium alloy surface by using a pulse Nd?:?YAG laser. The topographical microstructures of these laser-induced textures were characterised by optical and scanning electron microscopy. In comparison with untextured surfaces, a significant improvement in friction behaviour was observed for the textured surfaces. The influences of dimples density on the tribological properties were investigated. Two types of oil with different viscosities were evaluated as lubricants. It was found that the beneficial effects of laser surface texturing are more pronounced at higher speed and load with higher viscosity oil. The optimum dimples density of 8.5% was found to have a lower friction coefficient. On basis of the experimental results, the mechanism of friction reduction and anti-wear is proposed. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.