Ultraviolet Laser Texturing of PEEK: Finite Element Simulation and Surface Properties

This paper comprehensively investigates the ultraviolet (UV) nanosecond laser fabrication of micro-groove textures on planar PEEK surfaces, as well as their surface performance in terms of wettability and frictional properties. Firstly, a three-dimensional finite element model, incorporating a moving Gaussian heat source, solid heat transfer and deformed geometry, was established to simulate the transient temperature field and ablation profile of PEEK during UV laser ablation. The predicted groove depth agreed with the experimental value with a low deviation of 11.19%. Based on the simulation and single-factor experiments, the optimized single-track laser parameters were determined as a laser power of 1.2 W, a scanning speed of 100 mm/s and a repetitive frequency of 100 kHz. Secondly, systematic single-factor and multi-pass laser ablation experiments of PEEK surfaces were conducted to fabricate micro-groove textures with precisely tailored geometric parameters. Furthermore, ablated surface characterization showed that the laser-textured surfaces exhibited increased roughness, apparent crystallinity up to 22.13%, and pronounced anisotropic wettability, with improved liquid spreading along the groove direction and restricted spreading across the grooves. Finally, fretting wear tests under simulated body fluid lubrication were carried out. The research findings reported in this paper provide a systematic theoretical and experimental basis for the application of UV nanosecond laser surface texturing in the fabrication of PEEK-based components.