Lotus-inspired super hydrophobicity is attracting research interest due to its water resistance and unique multi-phase contact characteristics. However, the weak processing method, the use of fluorine-containing chemicals, and the strict requirements for long-term fruiting are still medical challenges.
Recently, a group of researchers of Prof. HOU Baorong and Professor DUAN Jizhou from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) reported a mechanically strong superhydrophobic ZnO @ STA @ PDMS coating with fluorine-free reagents through a multi-applied coating method.
The study was published in Materials & Design on October 10.
The hierarchical strong microscale bumpy porous structure, the nanoscale body, and the high ground surface energy of the coating makes possible hydrophobic superhydrophobicity.
Value | Z| 10mHz of superhydrophobic coating as developed is three orders higher than that of Q235 carbon steel. The Icorr of the substrate decreases by two orders of magnitude when coated with ZnO@STA@PDMS superhydrophobic coating, suggesting a high corrosion resistance performance.
In addition, the prepared superhydrophobic coating can withstand more than 30 tape peel cycles and an abrasion distance of 400 cm, demonstrating stability in operation.
Photo: Fig. 2 Wide adaptability of superhydrophobic coatings as approved on different substrates. (Image of IOCAS). Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
Under simulated atmospheric conditions with high humidity, the hygroscopic behavior and deliquesence of NaCl salt particles are recorded for the first time, and the interesting phenomenon of self-containment is immediate. Corrosion damage at the edge of the salt drop in Q235 carbon steel is more severe than in the interior due to faster ion transport and increased oxygen. Although the superhydrophobic coating has a promising anti-air corrosion performance based on salt salt and direct heating properties.
The low surface tension, low energy and air flow induced Cassie multiphase contacts contributed to the waterproofing of salt water and remarkable anti-corrosion ability. “This project provides a new type of anti-corrosion system for superhydrophobic materials serving in atmospheric environments with high humidity,” said Professor ZHANG Binbin, first author of the research paper.
