Laser-Assisted Surface Modification to Enhance Tribological Performance Under Extreme Conditions

Dear Colleagues,

Surface engineering plays a pivotal role in addressing the escalating demands for materials capable of withstanding extreme operational environments, such as high mechanical loads, elevated temperatures, corrosive media, and abrasive wear. Laser-assisted surface modification (LASM) has emerged as a transformative technology, enabling precise control over surface topography, microstructure, and chemistry to tailor friction, wear resistance, and lubrication properties. This Special Issue focuses on advancing LASM techniques—including laser texturing, cladding, shock peening, and hybrid processes—to optimize tribological performance in applications ranging from aerospace and nuclear energy to biomedical implants and renewable energy systems.

Recent breakthroughs highlight the synergy between laser processing and advanced materials. For instance, ultrafast laser texturing combined with 2D materials has significantly reduced friction coefficients in titanium alloys by integrating debris-trapping microgrooves and self-lubricating nanocoatings. Similarly, mechanical vibration-assisted laser remelting has refined the distribution of hard phases in composite coatings, enhancing wear resistance through grain refinement and dispersion strengthening. Innovations such as magnetic field-assisted laser shock peening further demonstrate the potential of adjusting mechanical properties in high-performance alloys with external energy field stimulation.

This Special Issue invites contributions exploring novel LASM methodologies, multi-scale characterization of modified surfaces, and computational modeling to bridge the gap between process parameters and tribological outcomes. Submissions addressing challenges in tribological adaptability linked to extreme conditions are particularly encouraged.

Dr. Guangzhi He
Dr. Jiawang Xie
Dr. Bao Jin
Dr. Zixiang Li
Guest Editors

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