Preparation of biomimetic superhydrophobic coating on mild steel

Purpose: Superhydrophobic surface has many special functions and is widely investigated by researchers. Mild steel is one among the practice metals and plays an important role in all industrial applications. In this work, a simple method was used to generate superhydrophobic sueface on steel plates by electroless deposition of zinc followed by electrochemical deposition of stearic acid. Design/methodology/approach: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Contact angle Goniometer were used for characterize the coated sample. Findings: The fabricated surfaces were stable against acidic solutions was evident from the weight loss studies. Given their strong water repulsive properties, superhydrophobic coatings are an ideal candidate for slowing down corrosion of the metal layer. Practical implications: These results will aid in the conclusion of coating done on the specimen and also show that the as-prepared superhydrophobic surface has obvious anticorrosion effect in typically corrosive solution and naturally humid air. The approach is timesaving and cheap, and it is supposed to have a promising future in industrial fields.