The aim of this study was to obtain a superhydrophobic coating by modifying anodized aluminum using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In order to obtain a superhydrophobic coating on an aluminum substrate, a multistage treatment was implemented. Specimens of aluminum were treated by abrasive blasting, anodization in sulfuric acid, impregnation by PDMS, rinsing in toluene to remove excess of PDMS, and curing. A rough surface with an additional low free energy layer on it resulted in a superhydrophobic effect. The coating obtained has an average contact angle of 159°. The specimens were tested in terms of durability in natural conditions. Additionally, anti-icing and anti-fouling properties were evaluated. The coating was compared with anodized aluminum obtained by a basic process.

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The method of anodic oxidation of stainless steel and the subsequent deposition of carbon layers in the CVD processes resulted in obtaining the coatings with hydrophobic and superhydrophobic properties. The parameters of the CVD process were modified and various carbon structures, including graphene type ones, were obtained. The coatings were characterised by Raman spectra and SEM microscopy. The wettability of the surface was evaluated by investigating a contact angle. The samples containing carbon coatings showed hydrophobic properties, and those containing graphene structures were characterized by the contact angle greater than 150°, which means superhydrophobic properties.

The aim of this work was to obtain high velocity of oxide coatings growth in the process of anodic oxidation of aluminium. Three different processes of oxidation were investigated. The coatings thickness, hardness and sealing quality were examined. The forming velocity of coatings was about 1 µm/min, much higher than obtained by conventional method of anodizing for anticorrosive purpose. The future scopes of application of elaborated processes were described.

The Polish Air Force operates more than one hundred helicopters of the Mi family (manufactured by Mil Helicopters), equipped with metal main rotor blades. The main rotor blades are among the most stressed components of these structures. For this reason, they are subject to more frequent inspections during operation than other components. One type of damage detected during inspections is the local disbonding of fragments of the anti-erosion layer from the leading edge. This harmless-looking damage is very dangerous, since it quickly leads to the complete detachment of the layer. The leading edge, unprotected by the metal cover, erodes rapidly. The detached layer, when thrown away at high speed, endangers other parts of the helicopter, such as the tail rotor, and may cause damage to other helicopters if flying in formation. The technology supplied by the manufacturer to date has not encompassed the field repair of this type of damage. Therefore, efforts were made to develop repair technology for rapid repairs of blades in field conditions during missions of the Task Force White Eagle in Afghanistan. This article presents the concept of repair technology feasible in field conditions and presents the results of post-repair edge tests. Test results to identify the materials used in the construction of the trailing edge are also presented. The results of materials testing facilitated the development of technological processes, and, in the future, will aid the selection of a substitute bonding paste system with similar parameters that are essential for repairs.

The electrodeposition process of Zn-Cr alloy coatings under the conditions of direct and pulsed current is discussed. The Cr content in the obtained alloy coatings, the current efficiency of the process, surface morphology, structure and wettability as a function of deposition parameters, such as current density, were determined. The Zn-Cr alloy coatings of good quality contained up to 20 wt.% Cr (for direct current) and up to 9 wt.% Cr (for pulse current). All the obtained coatings had a structure typical of zinc coatings (h.c.p.) and had a hydrophobic character. The morphology of the coatings changed significantly under the influence of changes in deposition conditions.

The study aimed to test the durability of coatings under natural conditions. The present study focused on the changes in wettability and additional properties of the coatings under natural conditions. The specimens were subjected to outdoor exposure and additionally immersed in the pond. Impregnating porous anodized aluminum is a popular production method for hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces. However, prolonged exposure of such coatings to natural conditions causes leaching of the impregnate and, thus, the loss of hydrophobic properties. After the loss of hydrophobic properties, all kinds of impurities and fouling adhere better to the porous structure. Additionally, deterioration of anti-icing and anti-corrosion properties was observed. Finally, the self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-icing and anti-corrosion properties were comparable or even worse to those of the hydrophilic coating. In the case of superhydrophobic specimens, during outdoor exposure there was no loss of superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning and anti-corrosion properties. Still, despite this, the icing delay time dropped. During outdoor exposure, the structure, which initially had anti-icing properties, may degrade. Nevertheless, the hierarchical structure responsible for the superhydrophobic effect can still be preserved. The superhydrophobic coating initially had the best anti-fouling properties. However, the coating was also gradually losing its superhydrophobic properties during water immersion.