Improving the Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum Alloy by Creating a Superhydrophobic Surface Structure through a Two-Step Process of Etching Followed by Polymer Modification

Abstract

A multifunctional aviation aluminum alloy with good superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance was prepared by a two-step process of etching followed by polymer modification. Meanwhile, micro- and nanostructures formed on the processed sample. Compared with bare sample, the static liquid contact angle on the as-prepared sample was increased by 100.8°. Further polarization tests showed that the corrosion potential of such a sample increased, and the corrosion current density decreased obviously, thus suggesting that the corrosion resistance of the modified sample was significantly improved. The same conclusion was confirmed by subsequent impedance testing. The work is of great economic value and practical significance to enhance the corrosion resistance of aviation actuator materials and also lays a foundation for future hydrophobic application research in aeronautical engineering.

Keywords

• aluminum alloy
• superhydrophobicity
• corrosion resistance
• polymer modification
• micro–nanostructure