Structure stability and corrosion inhibition of super-hydrophobic film on aluminum in seawater

A novel and stable super-hydrophobic film was prepared by myristic acid (CH3(CH2)12COOH, mya) chemically adsorbed onto the anodized aluminum surface. The static contact angle for seawater on the surface was measured to be 154°. As evidenced by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the effect of ethanol solvent on the film stability was proved. The surface structure and composition were then characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The electrochemical measurements showed that the super-hydrophobic surface significantly decreased the corrosion currents densities (icorr), corrosion rates and double layer capacitance (Cdl), as simultaneously increased the values of polarization resistance (Rct) of aluminum in sterile seawater.