Preparation of mechanically durable superhydrophobic aluminum surface by sandblasting and chemical modification

A facile method for the fabrication of a robust superhydrophobic aluminum surface with a water contact angle of 156 +/- 2 degrees and a sliding angle of 3 degrees is described in this research. The prepared aluminum surface obtained a hierarchical structure and low surface energy by combination of sandblasting and chemical modification. The as-prepared superhydrophobic aluminum surface exhibited excellent mechanical durability, withstanding abrasion by 1000-grit sandpaper at an applied pressure of 5 kPa and a travel distance of 800 cm. In addition, the superhydrophobic aluminum surface showed superior thermal stability when heated to 240 degrees C. Moreover, the superhydrophobic aluminum surface possessed a good self-cleaning effect. The low-cost and facile method provides a suitable strategy to fabricate a robust superhydrophobic metallic surface with mechanical durability, thermal stability, self-cleaning effect, and anti-fouling ability appropriate for extensive industrial applications.