In a study published in Advanced Materials, a research group led by Prof. YANG Jianjun from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, proposed a method of femtosecond laser elemental doping (FLEM) combined with cyclic low-temperature annealing to create a durable organic coating-free superhydrophobic metal surface. For decades, researchers have been striving to develop surfaces with superhydrophobic properties, which are crucial for various applications such as drag reduction, anti-icing, and corrosion resistance. Traditional approaches often rely on a combination of surface micro/nanostructures and organic coatings to achieve these properties. However, these coatings are susceptible to ion permeation and chemical degradation, severely limiting the durability of the superhydrophobic effect.
The CAS research team set out to address this challenge by exploring alternative methods that do not rely on organic coatings. Their research focused on the paracrystalline state, a unique material phase that offers low free energy and high chemical resistance. By using the FLEM strategy, the researchers were able to firstly generate an amorphous predominated bionic anthill tribe microstructure on the metal surface, which is then transformed into a paracrystalline state through further annealing processes. This innovative approach enabled the creation of a metal surface that maintained extreme water repellency without the need for organic coatings.
The research process involved meticulously controlling the laser parameters and processing conditions to ensure the formation of the desired paracrystalline structure. The team conducted extensive experiments and characterized the samples using various techniques to verify their findings. Their results showed that the paracrystalline metal surface can exhibit marvellous superhydrophobic properties and the long-term maintance even after prolonged immersion in corrosive solutions.
The paracrystalline metal surface not only demonstrated exceptional water repellency but also showed significantly improved chemical resistance compared to traditionally coated surfaces. The corrosion current density of the paracrystalline sample was reduced by a factor of 105 compared to the unprocessed metal, indicating a high level of protection against corrosion. These findings suggest that the new method has the potential to revolutionize the development of superhydrophobic surfaces for various industrial applications.
This research addresses the critical issue of chemical unsustainability in the superhydrophobic domain. By eliminating the need for organic coatings, the research team has paved the way for the development of more environmentally friendly and sustainable superhydrophobic surfaces. Furthermore, their approach encourages further research into manipulating other material properties, such as heat resistance, mechanical hardness, and electromagnetic shielding, through the paracrystalline state. This could lead to the creation of advanced materials with a wide range of applications in various fields, including aerospace, automotive, and energy.
In conclusion, this study represents the development of durable organic coating-free superhydrophobic metal surfaces. Their innovative approach using the paracrystalline state offers a promising solution to the challenges associated with traditional coated surfaces and has the potential to impact a wide range of industry applications.
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