Low adhesion superhydrophobic AZ31B magnesium alloy surface with corrosion resistant and anti-bioadhesion properties

Abstract Low adhesion superhydrophobic surface plays a critical role in improving corrosion resistant and anti-bioadhesion properties of the substrates. In this study, a low adhesion superhydrophobic surface with robust hierarchical rough structure has been successfully fabricated on the AZ31B magnesium alloy via a facile and green two-step in situ immersion method and post-modification with stearic acid (SA), which are carried out at room temperature without oxidants, high temperature, or pressure. The two-step in situ immersion method involves a pre-immersion in a low-concentration MnSO4 solution and a post-immersion in a high-concentration MnSO4 solution, which enhances the interfacial bonding between the coating and substrate and helps to increase the stability of superhydrophobic surface. The obtained superhydrophobic coating exhibits strong adhesive force to the surface of AZ31B with arbitrary shapes, ultralow adhesion to water, and robustness. The robust low adhesion superhydrophobic AZ31B (LAS-Mg) strongly enhances corrosion resistance and displays anti-bioadhesion property against proteins, bacteria, and cells adhesion. The results have suggested that the LAS-Mg can be used in medical devices.