Product Code: PIC06_805

Improving Polymer Surfaces using Laser Dispersion of Ceramic Micro- and Nanoparticles
Authors:
Michael Hustedt, Laser Zentrum Hannover E.V.; Hannover Germany
A. von Busse, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hannover Germany
Stephan Barcikowski, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hannover e.V. Germany
A. Ostendorf, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hannover Germany
H. Haferkamp, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hannover Germany
Presented at PICALO 2006

Laser dispersion of ceramic micro- and nanoparticles is applied to improve properties of thermoplastic polymer surfaces like abrasion resistance, hardness or antimicrobial effect. Processing polymer workpieces like slip-rings of casings, sockets in cam control mechanisms of vehicles and artificial knee-joints, new applications for technical polymers as high-quality composite materials in chemical, medical and automotive technology are supposed to be established. The experimental investigations are focused on the qualification of single- and two-step process alternatives, i.e. laser irradiation with simultaneous particle supply or with pre-deposition of particles, and the suitability of lasers with different wavelengths, solid state and diode lasers as well as CO2 lasers. To assure the quality of manufacturing, a pyrometric process control is integrated. Technical polymers like PP, POM, PA 6, PC and different types of polyethylene with varying optical properties as well as ceramic particulate materials like Al2O3, ZrO2 and SiC with different particle shapes and sizes are considered. Particle insertion into the polymer surface with regard to homogeneous layer characteristics is optimized experimentally using different laser beam shapes and powder supply parameters, modified sample surface roughness, enlarged surface temperatures, etc. The results are evaluated by determining functional and mechanical parameters as well as spatial particle distributions.