Magnetic field assisted laser cleaning of rust layer

Rust removal is essential in metal reusing and industrial processing. However, current laser cleaning methods still face issues, such as low cleaning efficiency. This study applies a magnetic field to enhance the removal of the rust layer from Q235 carbon steel by nanosecond laser and increase the cleaning efficiency. Under the Lorentz force generated by the magnetic field, plasma is tuned from upward diffusion to the rust layer, thereby enhancing laser cleaning. At a magnetic induction intensity of 75 mT, the laser scan time required for complete rust layer removal in actual applications decreases from 12 to 8 at a laser fluence of 5.4 J/cm2, resulting in a 33% improvement in the cleaning efficiency. The magnetic field assisted laser cleaning provides the valuable applications in rust removal.