Experimental Research on Microsecond-Laser-Induced Superhydrophobic Surface and Its Ice Suppression Properties

Inspired by natural biological surfaces, it is of great engineering significance to construct micro-/nano-structured surfaces by artificial methods to achieve changes in surface wettability. In this paper, a microsecond pulsed laser is used to prepare a micro-/nano-structure with superhydrophobic properties on the surface of a titanium alloy by controlling the scanning speed. After organic adsorption on the surface, the micro-/nano-structure combines a large number of C-C and C-H functional groups, and the static water contact angle can reach 159 degrees, with low water adhesion. Better hydrophobicity promotes the combination of tiny droplets on the surface, forming sparse frosting sites, effectively reducing frosting mass and frost crystal coverage, reducing frost branch height, and the air layer trapped inside the micro-/nano-structure delays water droplets. In the course of the freezing time, the constructed surface has a better effect of inhibiting the growth of the frost layer and delaying the freezing of the droplets.

Automated summary

Inspired by natural biological surfaces, this paper presents the preparation of micro-/nano-structured surfaces with superhydrophobic properties on a titanium alloy surface using a microsecond pulsed laser. The constructed surface shows better inhibition of frost layer growth and delayed freezing of water droplets.