Superamphiphobic PTFE/CuO coating on 6061Al
Scientists have developed a leaf-like superamphiphobic PTFE/CuO coating on 6061Al which is rapidly fabricated in a two-step method and could protect substrate from corrosion and pollution.
Aluminum-based materials are widely used, but they are easily corroded and contaminated in some harsh conditions. Now, fabricating anti-wetting coatings on aluminum-base materials is a promising way to solve the above problems. In a new work, a two-step method is developed to fabricate a hierarchical leaf-like superamphiphobic PTFE/CuO coating on 6061Al substrate, and according to the devolopers it is simple, economical and environmentally friendly.
Repellent to many liquids
The resultant coating is repellent to many liquids, such as tap water, ink, tea water, milk, H2SO4 solution (pH 3), NaOH solution (pH 10), ethylene glycol and glycerol. All contact angles of these liquids on the PTFE/CuO coating are more than 150°, and water sliding angles are less than 10°. Importantly, the results of the self-cleaning, adhesion, chemical stability and corrosion resistance tests indicate that the PTFE/CuO coating could protect the 6061Al substrate from corrosion and pollution. Furthermore, after the UV, thermal stability and mechanical stability tests, the PTFE/CuO samples are still be superhydrophobic, which suggests that 6061Al substrate with the PTFE/CuO coating could be applied in harsh conditions.
In sum, the method is according to the scientists especially suitable to large-scale industry production and promising for corrosion protection and functional applications of aluminum-based materials.
The study has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 147, October 2020.
