Design of dual-scale composite structured superhydrophobic surfaces for atmospheric corrosion prevention based on coalescence-induced droplet jumping

Background: The coalescence-induced droplet self-jumping behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) provides a new idea for atmospheric corrosion prevention. Although the influence on droplet self-jumping on different scales in single structure has been well understood, the mechanism of composite structures on droplet self-jumping, especially the process of atmospheric corrosion prevention is still unclear. Methods: In this work, SHS that composite structured on micron-scale and nano-scale were designed on copper substrate at given salt solution concentration using hydrothermal method; and the difference of their droplet self-jumping behavior on surface was explored in energy perspective. ;Significant findings: Results showed that the nano-scale composite structured SHS was more conducive to droplet self-jumping for having smaller top layer structures and interfacial adhesion (E-int). Furthermore, the nano-scale composite structured SHS exhibited superior corrosion protection performance due to the wetting transition by droplet self-jumping. This study provides theoretical guidance for the development of corrosion prevention with composite structured SHS based on coalescence-induced droplet self-jumping behavior. (c) 2022 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, the influence of composite structured superhydrophobic surfaces on droplet self-jumping behavior was investigated. The results showed that the nano-scale composite structured SHS exhibited better droplet self-jumping performance and corrosion protection performance.