Anti-Corrosion Properties of Array-Structured Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Inspired by the array-structured superhydrophobic surface of natural lotus leaves, an array structure was successfully constructed on the surface of AZ31B magnesium (Mg) alloys by a simple, green, and efficient high-speed wire electrical discharge machining (HS-WEDM) technique. The contact angle of the prepared surface was as high as 157° ± 1°, and its sliding angle was less than 5°. Therefore, the prepared surface has excellent superhydrophobicity. The wettability and anti-corrosion properties of the superhydrophobic surface were investigated. The results show that the microarray microstructure affects the superhydrophobic surface. The order of the importance of the factors is protrusion height (H) > protrusion spacing (S) > protrusion side length (L); the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the superhydrophobic surface prepared under the optimum process parameters is more than 95%. Therefore, the superhydrophobicity of AZ31B magnesium alloy can effectively improve its corrosion resistance.