Fabrication of stable superhydrophobic surface with improved anticorrosion property on magnesium alloy

Superhydrophobic Fe(OH)3 surface was obtained on AZ31 (Mg-3Al-1Zn) magnesium alloy via a simple solution immersion process and post-modification in absolute stearic acid through a hydrothermal synthesis technique. The superhydrophobic surface, which had a static water contact angle of 163.7 ± 2.9° and a water roll-off angle of <1°, exhibited long-term durability in air and high chemical stability over a wide pH range (pH 1–13). Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that the superhydrophobic surface was strongly resistant to corrosion.