Microsecond Laser Texturing of an Aerospace Grade Aluminum Alloy to Synthesize Superhydrophobic, Anti-Water Clogging Surfaces

Abstract

Traditionally superhydrophobic surfaces are prepared by applying liquid repellant organic coatings or nano-based coatings. These superhydrophobic coatings are prone to wear and can be easily damaged by abrasion and cleaning. Recently researchers are switching interest to more efficient and promising technology of pulse laser texturing for engineering sub-micron topographies to have superhydrophobic surfaces. In this research, the micro-second Laser Pulses are used to feature sub-micron textures on titanium nitride coated aluminum and polished aluminum surfaces in order to achieve the water contact angle greater than 150°. Titanium nitride coated aluminum surface with scan line separation of 50 µm shows superior hydrophobicity having a water contact angle of 156º. These superhydrophobic aluminum surfaces have applications for anti-water clogging and anti-corrosion use.