Fabrication and evaluation of the superhydrophobic RTV-NanoSiO2 composite coating on aluminum 1350 using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)

Abstract

Surface modification through coating has recently attracted significant attention as a practical approach to mitigating various types of damage, such as dust accumulation, pollution, and icing. Altering surface wettability to achieve superhydrophobicity, with contact angles exceeding 150°, has proven highly effective in such cases. This research aims to enhance the wettability of an aluminum substrate by employing plasma electrolytic oxidation techniques combined with a secondary nanocomposite polymer coating. The objective is to transform the surface from hydrophilic, or water-attracting, to superhydrophobic, or highly water-repellent. When ceramic-polymer nanocomposite coatings are applied, the contact angle of 167° confirms the superhydrophobic properties of the treated aluminum surface.