Mechanical Properties Improving the Surfaces of the Solar Collectors Using PLD with Nona Materials

Abstract:

For solar collectors to be more durable and effective in renewable energy applications, surface enhancement is essential. The limited hardness and wear resistance of conventional aluminum alloys, including Al-6063, impair their long-term performance. By employing the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technology to produce AlO₃ nano-coatings, this study seeks to overcome these constraints. The goal of this research is to use nanostructuring to improve the mechanical characteristics, resistance to corrosion, and optical performance of solar collectors. The surface of the solar collector alloy was coated with a nano- material (Al2O3) that had a particle size of 30 ± 5 nm. An Al2O3 nano material coating's micro-structure, phase composition, and effects were examined. PLD was applied to reduce erosion and corrosion and improve the mechanical performance of the aluminum alloy (AL-6063) used on the solar collector's surface. Using PLD, a 10 μm layer of aluminum dioxide was applied to the aluminum alloy's surface to ensure high hardness and a long fatigue life. Hardness testing on the samples showed an improvement in the alloy mechanical characteristics. Before and after deposition, an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy test was carried out. The mechanical characteristics improved after an Al2O3 Nano layer was deposited. The samples' hardness increased from 626 HLD to 672 HLD, and erosion and corrosion decreased. Because of the Nano layer applied via PLD, the atomic percentage of oxygen deposited on the surface of the solar collectors changed between 8.3% and 9.4%, the roughness (x) decreased from 738 µm to 309 µm and the reflection ratio decreases. These outcomes confirm that PLD-deposited Al₂O₃ coatings improve the durability and efficiency of solar collectors, offering a promising solution for future renewable energy systems.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1053)
• Pages: 13-24
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-4mOt22
• Online since: May 2026
• Authors: Sarah Saad Faraj*, Abduljabbar Edrees Jabri, Salwan Obaid Waheed, Ahmed Y. Qasim, Ahmed A. Mutlaq, Ahmed Dawood Salman, Saad Mohammed Awad
• Keywords: Al-6063, Corrosion, Erosion, Nano-Material (Alfa-Al₂O₃), PLD, Solar Collectors, Surface Improvement

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