Effect of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) on microhardness, surface roughness and wettability of AISI 316L

▶ Surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) increases the hardness of AISI 316L. ▶ The treatment also alters surface structure, roughness and wettability. ▶ The impacts of milling balls in the treatment produce craters on the steel surface. ▶ The steel's surface roughness increases after the SMAT. ▶ The treatment produces a less hydrophilic surface.