Environmentally friendly preparation of robust superhydrophobic surfaces on stainless steel mesh

Abstract

In this work, a robust surface with superhydrophobic properties was prepared on stainless steel mash by electrodeposition combined with low surface energy modification method. The wettability, phase composition, morphology and properties of the coating were characterized and tested using dynamic contact angle measuring instrument, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and other techniques. The experimental results show that the synergistic effect of dense petal-like micro-nano rough structures and stearic acid modification on the surface of stainless steel mesh endow the mesh with good superhydrophobicity, so the contact angle is even up to 170.3°. In addition, it had good performances of self-cleaning, anti-friction and oil-water separation. Its water contact angle was above 150.0° even after 230 cm friction distance. Its oil-water separation efficiency did not significantly decrease after 10 times of repeated use.