Influence of laser surface texturing on a low‐adhesion and superhydrophobic aluminium alloy surface

Abstract

An aluminium alloy surface with a microgroove array was fabricated via laser processing, and exhibited superhydrophobicity. The as-prepared surface showed excellent anti-adhesion properties and potential self-cleaning behaviour. The wettability of the fabricated surface was investigated by measurement of the water contact angle. The surface morphology and chemical composition were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The wettability of the surface was successfully modified from hydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity by the laser processing. The water contact angle was increased to 155°, and the sliding angle reduced to <;5°, without any chemical modification. Water droplets on the surface existed in an almost perfectly suspended state, resembling a model Cassie state. The superhydrophobic surface showed excellent stability under conditions of external extrusion. This easy and inexpensive modification method is expected to play an important role in extending the applications of aluminium alloys.