Fabrication of non-wetting surfaces on zinc surface as corrosion barrier

Two kinds of non-wetting surfaces, super-hydrophobic surface (SHS) and slippery lubricant-infused porous surface (SLIPS), were fabricated on zinc surface with hydrothermal method. Their surface properties were characterized with FE-SEM, XRD, XPS and contact angle meter, and their corrosion protection performances were evaluated with electrochemical measurements. It was demonstrated that both kinds of surfaces present high corrosion resistance to the underlying zinc substrate for the air (or lubricant) layer trapped in film. In comparison with SHS, the SLIPS presents advantage in maintaining stability in corrosive medium. This research provides guidance for the selection of non-wetting surface in practical corrosion protection application.