Fabrication of Metallic Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Tunable Condensate Self-Removal Capability and Excellent Anti-Frosting Performance

Abstract

Laser fabrication of metallic superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) for anti-frosting has recently attracted considerable attention. Effective anti-frosting SHSs require the efficient removal of condensed microdroplets through self-propelled droplet jumping, which is strongly influenced by the surface morphology. However, detailed analyses of the condensate self-removal capability of laser-structured surfaces are limited, and guidelines for laser processing parameter control for fabricating rationally structured SHSs for anti-frosting have not yet been established. Herein, a series of nanostructured copper-zinc alloy SHSs are facilely constructed through ultrafast laser processing. The surface morphology can be properly tuned by adjusting the laser processing parameters. The relationship between the surface morphologies and condensate self-removal capability is investigated, and a guideline for laser processing parameterization for fabricating optimal anti-frosting SHSs is established. After 120 min of the frosting test, the optimized surface exhibits less than 70% frost coverage because the remarkably enhanced condensate self-removal capability reduces the water accumulation amount and frost propagation speed (<1 μm/s). Additionally, the material adaptability of the proposed technique is validated by extending this methodology to other metals and metal alloys. This study provides valuable and instructive insights into the design and optimization of metallic anti-frosting SHSs by ultrafast laser processing.

A Review on Ultrafast Laser Enabled Excellent Superhydrophobic Anti-Icing Performances

“…properties [143]. They found the smaller tip area and the larger nanostructures were preferred for delaying frosting.…”

“…Many experts have investigated frosting behaviors on ULSASs. He et al adjusted laser fluence and pulse repetition frequency to fabricate different micro-nanostructures and investigated the relationship between surface morphologies and anti-frosting properties [143]. They found the smaller tip area and the larger nanostructures were preferred for delaying frosting.…”