Triangular pyramidal nano-Ag: Fabrication and properties of superamphiphobic surface on 1060 aluminum alloy mesh

Abstract The surface of the superamphiphobic 1060 aluminum alloy mesh with triangular pyramidal nano-Ag structure was prepared by simple chemical deposition. Without the treatment of low surface energy organic compounds containing F or Si element, the surface presents superamphiphobic property after annealing treatment. The surface oxide layer of the aluminum alloy mesh was eroded by acidified AgNO3 solution, and the micro-nano Ag was deposited at the same time. The establishment of micro-nano dual-layer structure results in superamphiphobic property. When water was used as the liquid for contact angle test, the contact angle can reach 163 ± 1°, and the contact angle of glycerol droplet can reach 158 ± 1°. In the meantime, the superamphiphobic 1060 aluminum alloy mesh was found to exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, when using 3.5 wt% NaCl solution as corrosion liquid to corrode superamphiphobic samples. After four days of immersion, the contact angle of water-based is 155 ± 1°, and that of glycerol-based is 152 ± 1°, respectively. Self-cleaning test was also carried out in this paper. It is believed that the superamphiphobic 1060 aluminum alloy mesh prepared by this method has anti-corrosion and self-cleaning properties. It can replace the traditional aluminum in the corrosion environment and keep the surface cleaning.