Super-hydrophobic film prepared on zinc as corrosion barrier

Potentiostatic electrolysis was carried out to prepare super-hydrophobic film on the surface of metallic zinc. The resultant film was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, and contact angle test. The super-hydrophobic property of the film results from the air trapped among the sheets of zinc tetradecanoate. This air behaves as a dielectric for a pure parallel plate capacitor, thereby inhibiting electron transfer between the electrolyte and the substrate. The air can also enhance the contribution of the film itself to protection performance.

Research highlights
► Super-hydrophobic film was prepared on zinc surface.
► The air trapped in film can dramatically improve the anti-corrosion property.
► The air trapped behaves as dielectric for a pure parallel plate capacitor.
► The air enhances the contribution of film to the anti-corrosion property.
► Without the help of air, the film itself can only present feeble inhibition effect.