Surface texturing for tribological applications: a review

Abstract

Surface texturing is one of the surface modification techniques which deliberately change the texture of the surface, in order to improve, among other things, its tribological performance. This is obtained through different patterns, which can be on micro or nano scale, created on the contact surfaces. The performance of a textured surface depends on the shape, geometry and pattern of the surface texture and the operating condition of the components in contact. There is a number of various techniques for surface texturing, among which laser surface texturing is most often used. The different surface texture shapes, different textured area ratios and patterns, different lubrication regimes with different contact geometries and materials have been subject of theoretical and experimental research for many years. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of researches that consider various surface texturing for tribological application, as well as its effect on performance enhancement. Conclusions of this paper may provide guidance for optimal design of surface textures in practical engineering applications.