Double Step Electrochemical Process for the Deposition of Superhydrophobic Coatings for Enhanced Corrosion Resistance

Superhydrophobic surface on anodized AA5083 sample was obtained by an electrochemical process. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analyses revealed the hierarchical structure of the coating and the presence of manganese stearate. These features were crucial for the coating superhydrophobicity, demonstrated by a measured contact angle of ~163° and its self-cleaning ability. Electrochemical characterization in an aqueous solution mimicking seawater proved an enhanced corrosion resistance due to the superhydrophobic coating with respect to anodized AA5083 sample that also lasted after 20 immersion days in Cl- containing electrolyte.