Design of Dual-Scale Composite Structured Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Atmospheric Corrosion Prevention Based on Coalescence-Induced Droplet Jumping

Abstract

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. Therefore, 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. 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.

Keywords: Superhydrophobic surface, Atmospheric corrosion prevention, Coalescence-induced droplet jumping behavior, Composite structures