Fabrication of a durable brass mesh capable of rapid transformation between two modes of liquid transportation

Abstract

Low cost, process controllability, and durability have been the key problems in the application of superhydrophobic materials, and there are many difficulties in achieving these goals. A simple ultrasound-assisted nitric acid etching method is now described for the construction of coral-like metal structures on the surface of a brass mesh pipe. The structures are formed by the different corrosion rates of the two metals in the alloy during etching. These structures exhibit superoleophobic characteristics in water and, following modification by immersion in aqueous sodium laurate solution, superhydrophobic characteristics in air. The surface wettability of the pipe can be converted multiple times within one hour to facilitate two modes of liquid transportation, in water and in air. The pipe material has excellent durability, withstanding severe mechanical contact including fingertip friction, arbitrary folding, knife scratching, and load friction, without significantly altering the surface wettability. This novel material can be prepared using a simple, controllable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method and offers a new direction for the development of multi-interface liquid transportation devices.