Fabrication of sustainable anti-icing metal surface with micro-nano composite concave angle structure by laser-electrodeposition-chemical method

Icing has adverse effects on human daily life and industrial production. The superhydrophobic surfaces have enormous potential for anti-icing applications because of the excellent water repellent effect. To enhance the anti-icing properties of metal surfaces, a hybrid method was employed, which combined laser processing, electrodeposition, and chemical soaking. This method was used to create a superhydrophobic surface with regular micro-nano composite concave corner structures on the surfaces of 7075 aluminum alloy. The morphology and wetting performance of samples under different current densities and deposition times were characterized. Under the current density of 40 mA/cm2 and the deposition time of 300 s, the hydrophobic performance of the prepared ZnNi alloy superhydrophobic coating was optimal. During the anti-frost testing, the prepared superhydrophobic surface only experienced water droplet aggregation, while frost never appeared. Compared to unprocessed surfaces, the prepared superhydrophobic surfaces showed a significant increase in anti-icing performance. Finally, the mechanism of the delayed icing on the surface of the prepared ZnNi alloy superhydrophobic coating was analyzed. This research provided a feasible approach for the manufacturing of superhydrophobic anti-icing surfaces.