Fabrication of durable and renegerable superhydrophobic coatings on metallic surfaces for potential industrial applications

Abstract

Fabrication of anti-corrosion and self-cleaning superhydrophobic coatings for metallic surfaces which are regenerable and durable in the aggressive conditions has shown tremendous interest in materials science. In this work, the superhydrophobic coatings on metallic surfaces (aluminum, steel, copper) were prepared chemical etching process. Thermal, mechanical, ultra-violet stability of these coatings was also tested. Along with this, regeneration of coatings and self-cleaning, corrosion resistance and water repelling characteristics were also studied. The surface morphology shows the presence of rough microstructures on the treated surfaces and the contact angle measurements confirm the superhydrophobic nature. Superhydrophobic surfaces show the excellent self-cleaning and anti-corrosion behaviour. Water jet impact, floatation on water surface, and low temperature condensation tests proves the excellent water-repellent nature of the coatings. Additionally, these coatings are found to be thermal, mechanical and ultra-violet stable. Further, these surfaces are reproducible. These durable superhydrophobic metallic surfaces have potential industrial applications.