(Ultra)Short Pulsed Laser Surface Texturing of Zinc

The interaction of a solid with its environment primarily depends on its surface properties - i.e. its surface chemical composition and its surface texture. By texturing the surface, the functionality of solid matter can be changed. Obtainable surface textures depend largely on the processing tool used to create the texture. In comparison to other material processing techniques, laser surface texturing offers a flexible, efficient and clean process with more accurate control over the features of the processed surface. From the point of global usage, zinc is the fourth most used metal after iron, aluminium and copper. The majority of the globally produced zinc is used for galvanizing for its excellent corrosion resistance and cathodic protection property. The extensive use of galvanized steel in modern society makes zinc one of the most visible metals in the world. This thesis studies the use of ultrashort pulsed laser sources to texture zinc surfaces with a focus on the control of the ablation process and resulting local morphology, both in its bulk and coated form, and explores possible means towards industrial implementation.