Effects of laser surface texturing on friction behavior of silicon nitride under lubrication with water

► Laser surface texturing leads the excellent water lubrication properties of Si3N4. It is considered that the texturing dimple pattern affects to form and keep the smooth sliding surface with the tribo-chamical reaction products. ► Improving effect of surface texturing depends on the dimple pattern. It is important to optimize the texturing pattern. ► The dimples have an important function to trap the wear debris, which causes the abrasive damages on the sliding surface.