Facilely constructing micro-nanostructure superhydrophobic aluminum surface with robust ice-phobicity and corrosion resistance

Abstract

This work introduces a facile method to fabricate a superhydrophobic aluminum surface with hierarchical micro-nanostructures based on a combination strategy of chemical etching and sand blasting. Comparing with the bare substrate, the micro-nanostructure superhydrophobic surface possessed an excellent resistance to wettability with water apparent contact angle as high as 160.2° and a low contact angle hysteresis of 6.7°. Also, it displayed a perfect bouncing dynamic of impact droplet with a short contact time of approximately 10ms. Furthermore, the testing results of anti-icing and corrosion resistance indicated that the micro-nanostructure superhydrophobic surface was endowed with the robust anti-icing property and corrosion resistance. The freezing delay time was prolonged over 10 times comparing with that on the bare substrate, and the anti-frosting property was enhanced with the obviously decreased frosting area. Expectedly, the micro-nanostructure superhydrophobic surface was demonstrated to have a commendable resistance to corrosion, exhibiting a lower corrosion current density and a higher corrosion potential, as well as damage-free under 3.5wt% NaCl salt spray environment. These investigations are believed that there is a certain extent promotion to applications of superhydrophobic surface, especially in the fields of anti-icing and corrosion prevention.