# Fabrication of Smart Materials Using Laser Processing: Analysis and Prospects
## 2 Laser Modification for Smart Materials
Smart materials with laser-modified surfaces can be used in automotive components to improve the wear resistance and reduce the  
Figure 3: SEM micrographs of laser-boronized layers with different microstructures: (**a**) hypoeutectic microstructure with primary dendrites of \(\gamma\)-Fe solid solution (\(\gamma\)-Fe) and boride-based eutectic (**E**); (**b**) a fully eutectic microstructure; (**c**) a hypereu eutectic microstructure with (Fe, Ni, Co)\({}_{2}\)B (referred to as M\({}_{2}\)B) borides surrounded by eutectic (**E**); (**d**) dendritic higher (Fe, Co, Ni, Mo)B (referred to as MB) borides in a matrix of lower M2B borides; (**e**) an enlarged view of the microstructure shown in (**d**) with marked points for X-ray microanalysis and its results in atomic percentage; (**f**) an example of a microstructure with a mixture of borides exhibiting the highest achieved hardness [67]. friction [80; 81; 82]. The results of various processes, such as laser remelting, laser texturing, and laser shock hardening, demonstrated that fluence was the most critical factor influencing the surface roughness and the microstructure. The optimization of laser parameters can minimize such defects and modulate specific morphology. Furthermore, oxide films produced through femtosecond laser deposition have the potential to manage radiative thermal properties and serve as active energy-saving windows for buildings, satellites, and spacecraft [83]. The described process, outlined in [83], utilized a laser fluence of 0.27 J/cm\({}^{2}\) for ablating the vanadium oxide target, employing a solid-state Ti:sapphire laser/amplifier. Thus, laser surface modification stands as a versatile technique for crafting smart materials by tailoring the surface properties of diverse materials. Its precision in controlling surface features enables the development of materials with adaptive characteristics suitable for a wide range of applications. The fabrication of smart materials using laser surface modification offers a range of advantages. It enables precise and selective change in a material's surface properties while preserving its bulk properties. This method provides high precision for targeted adjustments to specific areas on the material's surface. The laser modification method is highly customizable, allowing for the creation of materials with tailored surface properties to meet specific application requirements [84; 85; 86]. This method can be closely monitored and controlled to ensure consistent and high-quality surface modifications. It can be applied to a wide range of materials, including metals and alloys, polymers, ceramics, and composites [87; 88; 89]. These features make laser surface modification an effective technique for creating smart materials with customized surface properties that can intelligently respond to various impacting factors, offering diverse applications in engineering, electronics, medicine and biotechnology, as well as in other fields. Thus, laser material modification is a highly customizable and precise process that allows for the individual tailoring of material surface properties. This technology finds applications in various fields, including medicine, electronics, engineering, and biotechnology. Creating smart materials using laser modification opens up new horizons for developing innovative products and devices with intelligent and adaptive surface properties, making this method a crucial tool for future technological advancements and addressing current challenges.