Fabrication of a micro-nano structure on steel surface and surface wetting

Abstract

Micro-shot peening (MSP) was combined with subsequent anodization to produce a micro-nano structure on a carbon steel surface. It is to be noted that carbon steel is an engineering material rather than a non-engineering material. Non-engineering materials are commonly used substrates in studies relating to preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces. The results show that MSP produces a peened surface with a micro-scale structure. Subsequent anodization forms an anodized film with a nano-scale structure based on the peened surface. Hence, a steel surface with a micro-nano structure is produced by the combined method. Compared with the steel surface with a single micro-scale structure, the steel surface with a micro-nano structure exhibits a higher hydrophilicity. The steel surface with a micro-nano structure becomes superhydrophobic after modifying with fluoroalkylsilane.