Laser-ablation is an attractive alternative to abrasive/hydro blasting for the removal of protective coatings from metallic surfaces. However, the ablation process can lead to the formation of potentially hazardous gases, including volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases. In this work, we investigate femtosecond laser-ablation of marine coatings by analyzing the ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS) emission from the ablation plasma and performing mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy on the ablation fumes. By identifying the atomic/ionic composition of the plasma and the molecular composition of the fumes, we gain additional insights into the laser-ablation process and potential hazards for human health. This work is supported by VILLUM FONDEN (Villum Investigator project Table-Top Synchrotrons, no. 00037822) and the Danish Maritime Fund (LASER-CLEANR, no. 2022-054).
|