Fabrication and properties of super-hydrophobic microstructures on magnesium alloys by laser-chemical etching

The super-hydrophobic microstructures were fabricated on the surface of AZ91 magnesium alloy by laser-chemical composite etching and stearic acid modification. The results show that the special concave and convex structures and grooves arranged in micro-scale were formed on the surface of specimens after laser etching. The sharpened grid grooves and rice-husk-like structures were constructed on the surface after CuCl2 solution etching. After laser-chemical composite etching and stearic acid modification, the surface presents good super-hydrophobicity and low adhesion with the water contact angle of 158.4 degrees. Moreover, water droplets can easily roll off the surface of super-hydrophobic samples and carry contaminants along the rolling path. The corrosion resistance test shows that the magnesium alloy with super-hydrophobic structure has higher self-corrosion potential, lower self-corrosion current density and significantly higher impedance, indicating that it has good corrosion resistance.

Automated summary

This study fabricated super-hydrophobic microstructures on the surface of AZ91 magnesium alloy using laser-chemical composite etching and stearic acid modification. The resulting structure demonstrated excellent super-hydrophobicity and low adhesion, effectively preventing water droplets and contaminants from adhering to the surface.