Mussel-Inspired Superhydrophobic Surfaces on 316L Stainless Steel with Enhanced Corrosion Resistance

Inspired by mussel adhesive protein, the uniform, compact, and superhydrophobic film was constructed on the 316L stainless steel (316L SS) using self-polymerization of dopamine (DA) and further functionalization of the resulting polydopamine film with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT) to form a thin fluorinated polydopamine (fPDA) coating. Electrochemical analysis revealed that the superhydrophobic fPDA coating has an outstanding potential, lower corrosion current density, and higher coating resistance to protect 316L SS against corrosion in a 3 wt pct NaCl environment. Characterization of the corrosion attack by scanning vibrating electrode technology (SVET) reveals the cooperative effects of superhydrophobicity and strong adhesive ability of the fPDA coating on the highly anticorrosion capability of 316L SS in a 3 wt pct NaCl aqueous solution.