The pairing-dependent effects of laser surface texturing on micro tribological behavior of amorphous carbon film

► Textured a-C film is prepared by irradiating a-C with pulse laser. ► Irradiation results in nc-graphite bulges with a porous structure and reduced hardness. ► Laser treatment is negative to lower the friction when paired with Si3N4 ball. ► Laser treatment is very effective to lower the friction when paired with steel ball. ► The formed lubrication film enriched with nc-G is important to friction reduction.