Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on copper substrates via flow plating technology

2022-02-12 Hits:

Indexed by:期刊论文

Date of Publication:2021-01-10

Journal:MICRO & NANO LETTERS

Volume:10

Issue:2

Page Number:88-92

ISSN No.:1750-0443

Key Words:hydrophobicity; surface morphology; hydrophilicity; scanning electron microscopy; X-ray chemical analysis; nickel; aluminium compounds; coatings; contact angle; microhardness; nanofabrication; nanoparticles; wear resistance; microfabrication; mechanical stability; superhydrophobic engineering materials; microhierarchical structures; wear persistence; Cu; Al2O3-Ni; mechanical property; superhydrophobic coating surfaces; wear resistance; microhardness testing; sliding angle; water contact

Abstract:The preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces on hydrophilic metal substrates depends on both surface microstructures and low surface energy. Composite electro-brush flow plating technology was developed to prepare appropriate microstructures leading to superhydrophilicity on copper surfaces. The effects of plating voltage and plating time on the coating surface structures and hydrophobicity were discussed. The surface morphology and chemical composition were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the prepared surfaces have the appearance of micro-nano hierarchical structures composed of submicron papilla-like Ni structures and nanoscale Al2O3 particles. After fluoridation, the coating surfaces prepared by proper parameters show superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 162 degrees and a sliding angle of less than 10 degrees. Tests of micro hardness, wear resistance and persistence show that the obtained superhydrophobic n-Al2O3/Ni coating surfaces have outstanding mechanical properties and stability. This sample preparation technique has prospective application in the large-scale and continuous production of superhydrophobic engineering materials.

Date of Publication:2021-01-10