Hydrophobic surface texture air-liquid phase composite assisted laser processing and tribological properties

[Display omitted] •Hydrophobic surface texture was prepared in an air-liquid composite environment.•Air-liquid phase composite assisted laser processing ensures the depth and uniformity of surface texture.•Air-liquid phase composite assisted laser processing improves the surface friction behavior of the sample. In order to improve the surface hydrophobicity and tribological properties of 304 stainless steel, this study used laser processing technology to prepare three types of surface textures (CSA, CM2, CM5) in an air and air–liquid composite environment. By testing the surface quality, wettability and tribological properties of the texture, it was found that the surface quality and interfacial friction control ability of CSA were poor due to the influence of the processing environment. However, due to the air–liquid composite assisted laser preparation, while using the air medium laser processing technology to ensure the texture depth, the scattering effect of bubbles and the influence of negative pressure on the solid–liquid interface during the liquid phase assisted laser processing remove the oxide recast layer and burr on the surface of the sample, and improve the surface quality of the texture, thereby improving the surface friction behavior of the sample. This study promotes the development of surface texture laser processing technology and broadens the application field of 304 stainless steel.