Characterization of the Laser Textured Surfaces of Parts from Arbofill Fichte

Surface texturing entails surface alteration through forming, micro grooving, micro dimpling and microchanneling. This is achieved by laser micromachining, in addition to other related methods on the substrate surface. The present paper puts forward the surface characteristics obtained after the laser texturing of the Arbofill Fichte biodegradable polymers with four and six passes, in hex-agonal and square patterns. The results of the wettability test indicated that Arbofill Fichte has a surface with a weak hydrophobic character (contact angle near 90°), regardless of the type of texture that was obtained. The underlying material's wear behaviour changed as a result of the Laser Surface Texturing (LST) surface alteration. Friction coefficient (COF) values thus increased for all samples. Arbofill Fichte exhibits a higher Y-axis stability in both geometries, suggesting a better resistance to vertical compression (subsidence), particularly in the 6 passes case. Addition-ally, Arbofill Fichte has a better X-axis extension. Therefore, Arbofill Fichte is stable and uniform in both geometries and at both numbers of passes, providing a more consistent X-axis expansion and better-managed Y-axis compression. The possibility of use in the practice of textured surfaces is viable; thus, based on the obtained results, there is even the possibility to replace non-biodegradable polymers from different sectors of activity.