Title Laser-Induced periodic surface structures on stainless steel for friction reduction at Sub-Zero temperatures
Authors Leitans, Armands ; Jansons, Ernests ; Lungevics, Janis ; Zukuls, Anzelms ; Kaupuzs, Jevgenijs ; Smits, Krisjanis ; Velkavrh, Igor ; Wright, Thomas ; Boiko, Irina ; Sirants, Raimonds ; Montero, Cristhian Cobas ; Malinauskas, Tadas ; Stanionytė, Sandra ; Onufrijevs, Pavels
DOI 10.1016/j.optlastec.2026.115253
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Is Part of Optics and laser technology.. London : Elsevier Ltd.. 2026, vol. 201, art. no. 115253, p. 1-11.. ISSN 0030-3992. eISSN 1879-2545
Keywords [eng] climate-resilient materials ; ice friction ; LIPSS ; stainless steel ; sub-zero friction ; surface texturing
Abstract [eng] The present study evaluates the frictional behaviour of nanosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) formed on stainless steel Uddeholm Ramax HH, to investigate their sliding performance on ice. The samples were studied using surface texture analysis, contact angle measurements, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Surface analysis revealed that laser-textured samples exhibit a micro/nano-geometry with a distinctly wavy structure, complemented by low-spatial-frequency LIPSS. The results from ice friction experiments revealed a reduction in the coefficient of friction by ∼ 75%, from ∼ 0.20 to ∼ 0.05 at low sliding velocity (0.05 m/s) for laser-irradiated surfaces and showed weak dependence within the experimental scatter on sliding velocity (range from 0.05 to 0.38 m/s) and applied normal load (range from 20 to 80 N). The reduction was attributed to the combined effects of the micro/nano LIPSS morphology and the formation of Fe2O3/Fe3O4 oxides, which lowers adhesion at the ice interface. The results demonstrate that laser-induced textures provide an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for optimising the frictional performance of stainless steel under sub-zero conditions.
Published London : Elsevier Ltd
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2026
CC license CC license description