Degraded Polymer Deposits

Plastic residue contamination, it manifests uniquely in laser cleaning applications, forming thin, irregular films that adhere tenaciously to substrates. This contamination, derived from organic residues, exhibits patterns influenced from environmental exposure, such as uneven layering on metals, which leads to differential removal challenges. On ferrous materials, the residue persists stubbornly, resisting ablation due to its cohesive structure, that demonstrates material-specific behaviors. It appears that on non-metallics, like ceramics, the contamination varies in tenacity, showing easier detachment yet prone to re-deposition. The process yields effective cleaning, where the laser disrupts bonds selectively, although challenges arise from residue volatility, dependent from intensity thresholds. These patterns, they highlight the need for tailored parameters, ensuring surface restoration without substrate damage.

Alessandro Moretti, Ph.D.