Evaluation of laser cleaning effect for the removal of paint on aluminum alloys

The removal of paint as an industrial requirement is still a significant issue in the fields of ship and aircraft skins. How to judge the effect of laser cleaning after the removal of paint on the substrate is a tough problem. The effect is evaluated primarily by considering the amount of paint residue and the extent of substrate surface damage. The amount of paint residue is analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), and photothermal conversion performance. The damage to the substrate surface is assessed utilizing an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and true color confocal microscope (TCCM). The results manifest that the paint can be completely removed at a laser energy density of 1.66 J/cm 2 . When laser energy density is 1.78 J/cm 2 , the surface of Al alloy appears some nanostructures. This work offers fundamental research and practical guidance for laser cleaning of paint on an aluminum alloy surface.