Wettability of Alumina Substrates with Micro-Morphology and Microstructure

Abstract

A non-smooth surface with convex domes was fabricated on a chemical polished 2024 aluminum alloy substrate using the method of pressing with a symmetrically distributed concave hole module. Anode oxidation technique was used to prepare alumina films on a non-smooth surface. The as-prepared surfaces possessing microscale morphology and multiscale structures without anything chemical modification exhibited excellent hydrophobicity, and had a maximum water contact angle of about 133o. The microscale morphology of the non-smooth alumina films were investigated by a stereo microscope and a laser scanning confocal microscopy. A scanning electron microscopy was used for surface corresponding microstructure of the non-smooth alumina films. The forming course of the alumina films with pores was analyzed. Such an alumina films that combine excellent hydrophobicity with other properties may have many potential applications.

An Experimental Study on the Influence of the Fractal Characteristics of X80 Steel Surface Morphology on Water Ring Stability

“…Buczko et al [11] constructed a superhydrophobic aluminum mechanical surface and found that the greater the current density and the longer oxidation time, the greater the surface roughness of the aluminum substrate and contact angle, and the weaker the wetting performance. Similarly, Li et al [12] prepared alumina film on a non-smooth convex aluminum and discussed the influence of morphology on wettability. The experimental results showed that the water contact angle of the substrate surface could distinctly increase from 80.6 • to 133 • due to the change of the surface morphology.…”