Surface Modification of Haynes 282: Hydrophobicity Improvement Through Femtosecond Laser Texturing and Its Effect on Wear Performance

Haynes 282 is a nickel‐based superalloy known for its exceptional high‐temperature strength and thermal stability, making it suitable for critical aerospace and gas turbine applications. In the present study, femtosecond laser texturing was employed to enhance the surface wettability and tribological performance of Haynes 282. The effects of laser processing parameters, including pulse energy, repetition rate, and scanning speed, were systematically investigated. Wettability was characterized using static and dynamic contact angle measurements, revealing a transition from hydrophilic (∼53°) to hydrophobic (>120°) behavior under optimized conditions. Tribological tests conducted under dry sliding conditions demonstrated a significant reduction in friction and wear, with textured surfaces exhibiting a lower coefficient of friction (0.16–0.22) compared to the untextured surface (∼0.30). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated increased surface oxygen and carbon content due to surface oxidation and environmental exposure. Microhardness measurements revealed an increase of ≈20% in textured regions compared to the untextured surface. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed retention of the FCC γ‐Ni phase and indicated microstructural refinement in worn regions. The improved performance is attributed to the combined effects of surface texturing, increased hardness, and modified surface chemistry. This study demonstrates the potential of femtosecond laser texturing for enhancing the functional performance of nickel‐based superalloys.