Slippery Surface with Petal-like Structure for Protecting Al Alloy: Anti-corrosion, Anti-fouling and Anti-icing

Abstract

AbstractThe harsh working environment affects the performance and usage life of Al and its alloys, thus limiting their application. In recent years, Slippery Liquid-infused Porous Surface (SLIPS) has attracted much attention due to excellent anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and anti-icing properties. This may be an effective way to improve the properties of Al and its alloys. Here, the SLIPS with petal-like structure was constructed on the Al alloy via simple hydrothermal reaction, Stearic Acid (STA) modification and lubricant injection. A variety of droplets (including oil-in-water emulsions) can slide on the SLIPS at a low angle, even the Sliding Angle (SA) of the water droplet is only 3°. Furthermore, the SLIPS exhibits outstanding mechanical and chemical properties. It can maintain fine oil-locking ability under high shearing force and keep slippery stability after immersion in acid/alkaline solutions. In addition, the SLIPS possesses excellent anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and anti-icing properties, which provides a new way to promote the application of Al and its alloys. Therefore, the SLIPS is expected to be an effective way to improve the properties of Al and its alloys, as well as play a role in anti-fouling and self-cleaning in construction, shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing industries, thereby expanding the practical application of Al and its alloys.