High-Speed Erosion Behavior of Hydrophobic Micro/Nanostructured Titanium Surfaces

Abstract

Ice accretion on aircrafts or their engines can cause serious problems and even accidents. Traditional anti-icing and de-icing systems reduce engine efficiency, which can be improved by the use of hydrophobic/icephobic coatings or surfaces that reduce the amount of bleed air or electric power needed. These hydrophobic/icephobic coatings or surfaces are eroded by high-speed air flow, water droplets, ice crystals, sand, and volcanic ash, resulting in the degradation, material loss, or deterioration of the coating’s waterproof and anti-icing properties. Thus, the durability of hydrophobic micro/nanostructured surfaces is a major concern in aircraft applications. However, the mechanism responsible for material loss in hydrophobic micro/nanostructured surfaces resulting from high-speed erosion remains unclear. In this paper, hydrophobic titanium alloy surfaces with cubic pit arrays are fabricated by photoetching and tested using a high-speed sand erosion rig. Under the same impact conditions, the erosion rates of the micro/nanostructured titanium surfaces were similar to those of smooth titanium alloy, implying that the hydrophobic surface fabricated on the bulk material had erosion-resistant capabilities. The material loss mechanisms of the micro/nanostructures under different impact angles were compared, providing useful information for the future optimization of micro/nanostructures with the goal of improved erosion resistance.

Sand screens application and performance for sand control: A review of selection criteria, screen materials, and causes of failure

“… Ceramics High surface hardness, corrosion resistance, erosion resistance, and high melting temperature. Not ductile, brittle, plugging, reduced production [ 26 , 27 ] 316 stainless steel wire mesh sand screens Corrosion resistance, ductile, high toughness, erosion resistance Erosive wear is angle-dependent for ductile materials, micro ploughing and pitting wear are significant [ 28 ] Titanium alloys Corrosion resistance, tough, ductile, erosion resistance More erosion is noticed at higher velocities with low angles unlike low impact velocities and high impact angles [ 29 ] Mild Steel Erosion resistance, high tensile stress, ductile On an increasing impact time, cracks develop on screen surfaces, and poor corrosion resistance [ 30 ] Poly-chloroprene rubber Low melting point, erosion resistance, less dependent on impact angles, ductile, Used at low temperature zones, extended drags after impact, particle impingement [ 31 ] …”

A Review on Potential Mechanically Resistant Materials for Optical Multifunctional Surfaces: Bioinspired Surfaces with Advanced Properties

“…Recently, Chen and Zhang [ 76 ] studied the erosion resistance of hydrophobic micro and nanostructured titanium surfaces for aircraft applications. Their mechanical tests exposed the surfaces to high‐speed sand particles, causing plastic deformation under specific impact angles.…”