Superhydrophobic coating to mitigate metal corrosion with electrically insulative and thermally conductive properties

Abstract

• A superhydrophobic coating was developed for electronic circuit boards. • Surface modified silica and polystyrene nanoparticles were used. • Electrochemical methods and the salt spray method proved the corrosion inhibition. • High thermal conductivity and electrical insulating properties were incorporated. • The coating can be used for substrates that need multifunctional properties. A superhydrophobic coating with hydrophobic silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 ), polystyrene nanoparticles (PS), aluminium trihydrate (ATH), and room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV SiR) was developed. The nanoparticles and the nanostructure of the coating were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The anti-corrosion ability was studied using 100% pure iron plates. The coating was found to have high resistance against corrosion based on electrochemical analysis and the salt-spray test in addition to high electrical insulation and thermal conductivity.