Preparation and Wettability Analysis of Metal Biofunctional Surfaces Based on the Microquadrangular Structure
Liang Yang1, Xinyan Zhang1, Yun Zhai1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian, Liaoning 116028, People's Republic of China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|June 6, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel superhydrophobic surface on aluminum alloys using laser-fabricated microquadrangular grooves. This biomimetic approach, inspired by bamboo leaves, enhances material hydrophobicity for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Improving the hydrophobic properties of aluminum alloys is critical for various industrial applications.
- Previous methods for creating superhydrophobic surfaces on metals involved micro-nanostructures fabricated using nanosecond lasers.
- Microquadrangular groove structures had not been previously formed on metal surfaces for superhydrophobicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a superhydrophobic functional surface on aluminum alloys using microquadrangular groove structures.
- To investigate the influence of nanosecond laser processing parameters on the resulting microquadrangular structures and their wettability.
- To achieve controlled superhydrophobicity inspired by natural structures like bamboo leaves.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nanosecond laser technology to process aluminum alloy surfaces.
- Designed and fabricated microquadrangular groove structures inspired by bamboo leaf morphology.
- Employed a single-factor experimental method to study the effects of laser power, scanning speed, scanning time, defocus, and fill spacing.
- Characterized the size, surface morphology, and wettability (contact angle) of the fabricated structures.
Main Results:
- Optimized microquadrangular structure size achieved with a 1.28% error from the design size.
- Fill spacing was identified as the most significant factor affecting structure size.
- Scanning time, defocus, and fill spacing greatly influenced surface morphology.
- A maximum water contact angle of 154.7° was achieved, indicating superhydrophobicity.
- Laser power was found to have the greatest impact on wettability.
Conclusions:
- Nanosecond laser parameters can be effectively regulated to control the formation of microquadrangular microstructures.
- The fabricated microquadrangular structures result in a superhydrophobic functional surface on aluminum alloys.
- This biomimetic approach offers a viable method for enhancing material hydrophobicity for industrial use.
