Nano Thin Aluminium Coating as Superhydrophobic Surface: Fabrication by RF/DC Magnetron Sputtering and its Characterisation

Abstract

Abstract:The hierarchical structured surface of the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) . Inspired by the phenomenon observed in some plant leaves and insects [3,4,5] superhydrophobic surfaces whose contact angles (CA) with water are higher the 150° [6] have significant application towards corrosion prevention. Since water is mainly responsible for corrosion problems on most of materials especially on steel structures. These materials which mimic this superhydrophobic property on coating may suppress the role of corrosion. Therefore the aim of scientists is to create a coating with a surface morphology that mimics morphology of the lotus leaf. In order to fabricate such superhydrophobic surface, the physical parameter utilised to assess its water repellent phenomena is its CA towards water. Generally, for fabrication of superhydrophobic surface or film, it is necessary to create a rough surface on hydrophobic surface [7] (CA>90°) and to lower the surface energy by chemical modification such as coating with fluoroalkylsilanes [8][9][10][11][12][13] In this present study, superhydrophobic nature on substrates by developing nano coating using RF-DC sputtering technique. Further, step by step enhancement in contact angle is achieved by coating different materials like metallic stearate, nano particles along with polymer matrix over nano film coated surface. EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS AND METHODS