Fabrication of Superhydrophobic AA5052 Aluminum Alloy Surface with Improved Corrosion Resistance and Self Cleaning Property

Abstract

The development of a self-cleaning and corrosion resistant superhydrophobic coating for aluminum alloy surfaces that is durable in aggressive conditions has attracted great interest in materials science. In the present study, a superphydrophobic film was fabricated on an AA5052 aluminum alloy surface by the electrodeposition of Ni–Co alloy coating, followed by modification with 6-(N-allyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydro-perfluorodecyl) amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (AF17N). The surface morphology and characteristics of the composite coatings were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM) and contact angle (CA). The corrosion resistance of the coatings was assessed by electrochemical tests. The results showed that the surface exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning performance with a contact angle maintained at 160° after exposed to the atmosphere for 240 days. Moreover, the superhydrophobic coatings significantly improved the corrosion resistant performance of AA5052 aluminum alloy substrate in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution.