PhD defense : Surfaces functionalization by laser microstructuring

PhD defense : Camille HAIRAYE

Team IPP & IREPA Laser

Title : Surfaces functionalization by laser microstructuringAbstract : This PhD thesis is about surface functionalization by laser microstructuring. The experimental study consists in texturing stainless steel surfaces with a pulsed Yb fibre laser source (1030 nm, 300 fs), in order to control their wettability and confer to them superhydrophobic properties. With an optimization of the irradiating conditions on the target, it is possible to confer to the surface a dual-scale roughness. By successive ablations according to a pattern of crossed lines, microstructures in the range of tens of micrometres are realized, on which self-organized nanostructures are superimposed. Simulation of the energy coupling in the material allows to determine the process parameters to be used, in order to limit the thermal accumulation and avoid the melting of the surface. This study reveals the role of the laser texturing in the apparition of the superhydrophobic character and emphasizes the influence of the physicochemical properties of the material.

This thesis was supervised by Joël Fontaine at the INSA of Strasbourg.

The jury is composed of Joël Fontaine, Florence Garrelie (professor at the Jean Monnet University in Saint-Etienne), Philippe Delaporte (senior researcher at LP3 in Marseille), Frédéric ANTONI (associate professor at the ICube lab in Strasbourg), Thierry Engel (associate professor at INSA of Strasbourg) and Frédéric Mermet (entreprise at INREPA Laser in Illkirch).

The PhD defense will be held on Friday 16th June at 2.00pm in the 207 amphitheater of the Pole API building in Illkirch.