Laser cleaning of oxidized metallic materials: role of the optical properties of the oxide films

In the present work, the effects of nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation on oxidized metallic surfaces were investigated, in order to estimate the possibility of using laser techniques for cleaning applications. After oxidation, the oxide layer developed on the metallic surfaces depends on the composition of the substrate and also on oxidation conditions. In this study a modeling system: pure Fe oxidized at 500 degrees C, has been investigated. The influence of the optical properties of the oxide films on the removal mechanisms and the cleaning efficiency of the laser technique was illustrated by performing specific electrochemical treatments.