Tunable multi-configuration hydrophobicity and anti-icing performance on additively manufactured nickel-based superalloys

Icing accumulation poses severe threats, urgently necessitating the development of passive anti-icing technology based on micro-nanostructural design without adding components. From a microstructure design perspective, this study elucidates the mechanisms by which hydrophobic configurations regulate anti-icing performance. Using GH3536 Ni-based superalloy as substrate, we constructed three controllable hydrophobic configurations via laser texturing combined with electropolishing and fluorination. This approach revealed the synergistic mechanism between configuration-dependent wettability regulation and anti-icing performance. Key findings: (1) Configuration characteristics and advantages: Configuration C exhibits optimal comprehensive performance under ambient pressure; Configuration B demonstrates superior low ice adhesion characteristics parallel to groove direction (//); Configuration A effectively prevents corrosive liquid pooling while maintaining low-turbulence flow. (2) Hydrophobicity regulation: Wettability is significantly influenced by laser parameters. Configuration C achieves maximum hydrophobicity (WCA = 162°) under specific parameters. (3) Anti-icing performance: Anti-icing behavior is coregulated by processing parameters and configurations. Configuration C attains minimal ice adhesion strength (101.9 kPa, 17% of substrate) and maximum freezing delay (35.5 s, + 65% vs. substrate). Engineering adaptation strategy: Configuration C provides optimal passive anti-icing solutions for ambient pressure environments (e.g., meteorological monitoring equipment). Configuration B demonstrates application potential for high-pressure icing scenarios requiring drainage. Configuration A serves as a supplementary solution for specialized scenarios needing smooth surfaces through corrosion resistance and low-turbulence drainage. Collectively, these configurations establish a structure–function-integrated anti-icing paradigm for additively manufactured alloy components.

Graphical abstract

Hydrophobicity and anti-icing efficacy critically correlate with multiscale groove architecture. Three tailored configurations were fabricated in GH3536 Ni-superalloys via topography-specific nanosecond laser texturing/electropolishing with fluorination, revealing configuration-locked wettability-anti-icing regulation mechanisms.