Superhydrophobic surface constructed on electrodeposited silica films by two-step method for corrosion protection of mild steel

Super-hydrophobic surfaces are fabricated on mild steel substrates via two-step methodologies. Firstly, highly porous and hierarchically nano/micro-structural silica films are prepared by electrodeposition technology. Superhydrophobicity is then achieved by further modification with a long alkyl-chained dodecyltrimethoxysilane. The superhydrophobic film provides effective protection for the mild steel when immersed in aggressive sodium solution by monitoring the change of contact angle, by iron dissolution test and by electrochemical measurements. The superhydrophobic surface as-prepared by this method shows high mechanical durability for abrasion against SiC paper. Furthermore, the superhydrophobicity provided by the rigid SiO2 matrix exhibits good reparability for heat destruction treatment.