Self-healing dual biomimetic liquid-infused slippery surface in a partition matrix: Fabrication and anti-corrosion capability for magnesium alloy

Abstract Biomimetics affords versatile ways to develop new routes for protecting metals from corrosion. In this report, focusing on the inhibition of corrosion for magnesium alloy, different biomimetic strategies were studied. Using a facile immersion method followed by surface modification, a lotus leaf-inspired superhydrophobic surface (SHS) is achieved. However, in the water phase, the SHS is found to be vulnerable, and a hydrophilic defect spot can irreversibly deteriorate the corrosion inhibition capability. Based on the infusion of dimethyl silicone oil into a SHS matrix, a dual biomimetic slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) in a partition matrix inspired by both Nepenthes pitcher and pomegranate fruit was prepared. In a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the corrosion resistance of the SLIPS is found to be four orders of magnitude larger than that of the untreated and superhydrophobic magnesium alloys. In comparison with the vulnerable SHS, the SLIPS can tolerate repeat mechanical damage, exhibiting prominent self-healing properties.