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Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications
Published on: August 15, 2018
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Superhydrophobic Copper Surface Textured by Laser for Delayed Icing Phenomenon
Jing Li1, Yijie Zhou1, Weibing Wang1
1School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering , Changchun University of Science and Technology , Changchun 130022 , China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|January 22, 2020
Summary
Researchers created superhydrophobic T2 copper surfaces using laser texturing, inspired by nature. These surfaces show significantly delayed icing, offering potential for anti-icing applications in cold environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Tribology
Background:
- Superhydrophobicity mimics natural phenomena like the lotus and petal effects.
- Developing durable superhydrophobic surfaces on metals is crucial for various applications.
- Controlling surface microstructure influences wettability and adhesion properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare superhydrophobic T2 copper surfaces via laser texturing.
- To investigate the effect of microstructures on wettability and icing delay.
- To provide insights into anti-icing applications for copper in low-temperature environments.
Main Methods:
- Laser texturing to create microstructures on T2 copper.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) for morphology analysis.
- Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), contact angle measurements, and cryogenic freezing for characterization.
Main Results:
- Two distinct closed-pore lattice microstructures were fabricated.
- Maximum static water contact angle reached 155° without chemical modification.
- Superhydrophobic surfaces exhibited varied water adhesion and significantly delayed icing compared to untreated copper.
Conclusions:
- Laser texturing offers a simple, effective method for creating superhydrophobic copper.
- Surface morphology significantly impacts delayed icing characteristics.
- The study provides theoretical guidance for anti-icing applications of copper in cold conditions.
