Effects of single- and multi-shape laser-textured surfaces on tribological properties under dry friction

Textural morphology is an important factor influencing dry friction, and few studies have been conducted regarding the effects of single- and multi-shape textures on dry tribological properties. In this work, six types of textures including single- and multi-shape textures were produced on 40Cr steel samples by using a nanosecond laser. Reciprocating sliding tests under dry friction were conducted using a pin-on-disc friction tester. The influences of textured surfaces with different textures on tribological properties were investigated. Results showed that tribological properties were affected by different textural morphologies. The dimple-textured surface had the highest friction coefficient, followed by the groove-textured surface. The sinusoidal-textured surface had the lowest friction coefficient. The friction coefficients of multi-shape textured surfaces were lower than those of non-textured surfaces but higher than those of sinusoidal-textured surfaces. The wear properties of the tested surfaces were consistent with the friction-coefficient results. The sinusoidal- and sinusoidal–groove-textured surfaces can be considered as the optimum choices for dry reciprocating friction.