Fabrication and evaluation of the superhydrophobic RTV-NanoSiO2 composite coating on aluminum 1350 using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)

Surface modification through coating has recently attracted significant attention as a practical approach to mitigating various types of damage, such as dust accumulation, pollution, and icing. Altering surface wettability to achieve superhydrophobicity, with contact angles exceeding 150 degrees, has proven highly effective in such cases. This research aims to enhance the wettability of an aluminum substrate by employing plasma electrolytic oxidation techniques combined with a secondary nanocomposite polymer coating. The objective is to transform the surface from hydrophilic, or water-attracting, to superhydrophobic, or highly water-repellent. When ceramicpolymer nanocomposite coatings are applied, the contact angle of 167 degrees confirms the superhydrophobic properties of the treated aluminum surface.