Synergistic effects of laser-textured microgroove geometry and diamond-like carbon coating on tribological performance of SUS304 stainless steel

Abstract This study investigates the synergistic effects of laser-processed microtextures and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings on the tribological behavior of SUS304 stainless steel. Four different microtextures (vertical grooves, 45° inclined grooves, sinusoidal grooves, and mesh grooves) were fabricated on the stainless-steel surface using laser processing technology, followed by the deposition of DLC coatings. The study analyzed the influence of geometric features and coating synergistic effects on dry friction performance through tribological experiments and finite element simulations. The results showed that the 45° inclined groove structure (DLC-TI) exhibited stable friction coefficients within the 2–8 N load range and the smallest friction coefficient fluctuations. Finite element simulation analysis revealed that the residual stress in DLC-TI was significantly lower than that in other microtexture types, contributing to crack inhibition. The study demonstrates that the synergistic effect of surface microtexture and DLC coating enhances friction coefficient stability and wear resistance by regulating stress distribution and optimizing the formation of the element migration membrane, providing a theoretical basis for the design of wear-resistant surfaces.