Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Structure on 5A05 Aluminum Alloy Surface and Its Corrosion Resistance

This work developed a simple and low-cost method to achieve superior superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of 5A05 Al alloy. The microscale wrinkles covered with nanoscale craters were prepared by a one-step wire electrical discharge machining process. Meanwhile, the wettability and corrosion resistance of the as-prepared structures were investigated after the low-surface-energy modification. The results show that the modified surface exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle (CA) of 152.7 degrees and a rolling angle (RA) of 7.1 degrees. Furthermore, its corrosion resistance was assessed by electrochemical tests. Ultimately, owing to the trapped air in micro-nano structures, the solid-air-liquid interface helps to resist seawater penetration on the superhydrophobic surface and significantly enhances its corrosion resistance.