Multi-functional water-repellent slippery surface with groove structures

Water-repellent coatings are considered an ideal technology for protecting engineering metal materials from corrosion or damage. However, existing water-repellent coatings suffer from lower mechanical robustness and poorer chemical durability. To address the aforementioned problems, the authors proposed a slippery liquid-fused porous surface with groove structures (SLPSG) that was fabricated by laser processing, low surface energy modification, and lubricant infusion techniques. After single-factor optimization experiments, the sliding angle was about 5°. Due to the groove structure of SLPSG, it showed anisotropy, which meant the sliding velocity of the water droplet parallel to the groove direction was faster than that perpendicular to the groove direction. This SLPSG had an excellent self-cleaning performance and an anti-fouling ability. Mechanical robustness testing and chemical durability testing indicated that the SLPSG had good mechanical robustness and the ability to resist acid, alkali, and salt corrosion. In addition, the SLPSG also had the ability of the anti-freezing rain, corrosion resistance, and fog collection. This SLPSG provided a new avenue for the green and high-efficient fabrication and practical application of water-repellent surfaces.