Sediment

Separation (statistics)

Engineering

Biology

Metallurgy

Materials science

Superhydrophobic coating

Coating

Deposition (geology)

Computer science

Chemical engineering

Substrate (aquarium)

Geology

Oceanography

Paleontology

Contact angle

Nanotechnology

Composite material

Corrosion

Aluminium

Machine learning

Surface and Coatings Technology

Here, we report a straightforward and rapid process using fatty acids to produce a stable superhydrophobic hybrid composite coating on aluminium substrate which is highly resistant to wear under environmental conditions. Furthermore, this novel superhydrophobic metal surface is highly efficient at separating of water/oil systems. The single-step process we adopt involves electrochemical deposition of ZnCl2, α-Al2O3 and lauric acid (C11H23COOH) onto commercial pure aluminium substrate. The resultant static contact angle (170°) and sliding angle (1°) are those of a superhydrophobic coating with self-cleaning properties; while chemical analysis shows that this is the result of generation of zinc laurate (Zn(C11H20COO)2) as a major compound that increases the superhydrophobic character of the coating, generating a flower-like structure 70 nm thick. Different wear tests show the coating is resistant to severe conditions, confirming its real potential against weathering, including sand and water erosion. Finally, a water/oil separation test determined 99% separation efficiency in hexane and ether petroleum systems, in a laboratory-made storage tank.

Robust and superhydrophobic coating highly resistant to wear and efficient in water/oil separation