Recent progress on the surface finishing of metals and alloys to achieve superhydrophobic surfaces: a critical review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Superhydrophobicity is widely observed in nature with the tendency of a natural surface to be characterised by a water-repellent capability. Over the past thirty years, the production of superhydrophobic surfaces on metals and alloys has received growing interest because of its great significance in a wide range of industrial applications, such as water-proofing, anti-corrosion, anti-icing, drag reduction, self-cleaning, and phase change heat transfer enhancement. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces on metals and alloys, largely focused on copper, aluminium, zinc, and related alloys. It starts with an introduction of the basic principle of superhydrophobicity and surface wettability characteristics. The fabrication methods, chemical and physical properties, advantages, and prospects are summarised and compared. Some promising and innovative applications of superhydrophobic metal/alloy surfaces are also briefly introduced. Finally, challenges affecting the development and application of superhydrophobic metal/alloy surfaces are outlined.