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Modification of Aluminium Surface Using Picosecond Laser for Printing Applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Imtiyaz Ahmed Ansari
Affiliation:
i.a.ansari@liverpool.ac.ukimtiyazansari@yahoo.com, University of Liverpool, Department of Engineering, Laser Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Kennith G. Watkins
Affiliation:
kgw@liverpool.ac.uk, University of Liverpool, Department of Engineering, Laser Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Martin C. Sharp
Affiliation:
m.sharp@ljmu.ac.uk, Liverpool John Moores University, General Engineering Research Institute, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Richard Hutchinson
Affiliation:
richardahutchinson@btinternet.com, Derwent Technology, York, United Kingdom
Rodney Potts
Affiliation:
rodpotts@btinternet.com, J P Imaging, Birkenhead, Merseyside, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Ultrafast picosecond laser pulses of wavelength of 1064nm have allowed the surface modification of anodised aluminium plate for potential industrial application. The interaction of the laser with the substrate created a hydrophilic surface, giving a contact angle of less than 10 degrees. On examination under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), it was observed that these surfaces have an interesting ‘lotus-leaf’ like structure. It has been found that these laser processed hydrophilic surfaces revert with time. The potential for application in the printing industry is strong due to the reusability and sustainability of the process materials; initial trials confirm this. This technology would offer extra advantages as a non-chemical process without the need for developer, thereby reducing the overall cost and time of printing.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2010

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