Fabrication of Mechanically Stable Superhydrophobic Aluminium Surface with Excellent Self-Cleaning and Anti-Fogging Properties

Abstract

Development of the self-cleaning and anti-fogging superhydrophobic coating for aluminum surfaces which is durable in the aggressive conditions has raised tremendous interest in materials science.In this work, by employing chemical etching technique with mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid, followed by passivation with lauric acid, superhydrophobic aluminum surface was synthesized. The surface morphology analysis reveals the presence of rough microstructures on coated aluminium surface.Superhydrophobicity with water contact angle of 170 ± 3.9° and sliding angle of 4 ± 0.5° is achieved.Surface bounces off the high speed water jet, indicating excellent water-repellent nature of coating. It is also continuously floated on water surface for several weeks, showing excellent buoyancy nature.Additionally, coating maintains its superhydrophobicity after undergoing 100 cycles of adhesive tape peeling test. Its superhydrophobic nature withstands 90° and 180° bending, and repeated folding and defolding. Coating exhibits the excellent self-cleaning property. In low temperature condensation test, almost no accumulation of water drops on the surface, showing the excellent anti-fogging property of coating. This approach can be applied to any size and shape of aluminium surface and hence has great industrial applications.

Superhydrophobic Al Surfaces with Properties of Anticorrosion and Reparability

“…Bonding of the long nonpositive end of the alkyl to the roughed Al surface creates a low energy surface, which results in the final superhydrophobic property. 15,18 This dehydration process is confirmed by our infrared spectra shown in Figure S5. The roll-off angles for the superhydrophobic surfaces are measured, which are less than 5°.…”

“…4−14 As a light metal, aluminum (Al) has widely used in general industry as well as in household activities thanks to its excellent heat and electrical conductivities, natural availability, and high mechanical properties. 15 However, these applications are seriously limited because of the easy corrosion or deterioration of Al surfaces. With the extensive nano-and micro-scale surface textures and a layer of air trapped among these structures, a superhydrophobic layer can repel the water and moisture from the surface, which results in a dry and clean surface.…”

Numerical scrutinization of dropwise condensation heat transfer on an inclined surface

“…To prevent the occurrence of FWC resulting from the higher surface energy of the metallic surfaces compared to water, coating of these surfaces with special long-chain hydrocarbon, known as promoter layer to promote the DWC was proposed, which introduced the drop promoter layer resistance. [27][28][29] However, in many investigations, this resistance was disregarded according to the nano/microscale roughness of the drop promoter layer. [30][31][32] The conduction resistance is related to the resistance of the condensed liquid droplet to heat conduction.…”

Slippery Liquid Infused Porous TiO2/SnO2 Nanocomposite Thin Films via Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition with Anti-Icing and Fog Retardant Properties

“…Condensation build-up substantially impacts a material's optical performance, which is problematic for many industrial and domestic applications. 12 Severe personal injury has resulted from fogging of vehicle and aircraft windscreens, with many difficulties stemming from situations where high levels of light transmission are preserved while the image is completely distorted. 13 Several material design strategies have been developed to overcome the setbacks associated with both icing and fogging events.…”