Fiber laser surface pre-treatment on steel substrate to investigate the influence of surface state on fabrication durable joints

The use of fiber laser surface pre-treatment on steel/epoxy joints has garnered significant attention due to its potential to enhance adhesive bonding characteristics. This study investigates the influence of surface roughness, wettability, and static strength on the performance of such joints. Laser parameters such as power, scanning speed, and frequency have been varied to achieve different surface textures, whose performance have been compared with sandblasted and as received ones. The surface characteristics have been evaluated using profilometry, contact angle measurements, and adhesion tests. Results indicate that laser-treated surfaces exhibit improved roughness profiles and enhanced wettability compared to sandblasted and untreated surfaces. These changes correlate directly with increased adhesive strength in static loading conditions. The findings highlight the efficacy of fiber laser surface pre-treatment as a promising method for optimizing steel/epoxy joint performance, offering insights into its potential applications in various industrial and engineering sectors.