Surface modification of PMMA via UV and IR nanosecond laser treatment: similar morphological effects

Surface engineering of polymeric materials is essential for improving their properties in various applications. In this study, we investigate the formation of similar morphological structures on the surface of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) following irradiation of nanosecond ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) lasers. Above the ablation threshold, and under certain irradiation conditions, both UV and IR irradiations lead to the formation of micropores due to thermal stress and impurities. Again, irradiation of the samples first at a fluence above and then below the ablation threshold, with UV wavelength, leads to the formation of bumpy structures, compared to the nanospheres formed following IR irradiation. Our findings provide insights into laser-induced surface modifications in polymers and contribute to the development of controlled surface engineering techniques.