Mechanistic Insights into Superhydrophobic SiO2/PTFE Coatings Ensuring Durable Anti-Corrosion Performance on AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Under Acidic Conditions
摘要
To meet the durability demands of Mg alloy under harsh chemical conditions, a water-repellent composite layer incorporating fluorinated SiO2 nanostructures and polytetrafluoroethylene was applied via rod deposition. By systematically regulating the nanoparticle content, coating interfacial wetting behaviour and anti-corrosive performance were effectively modulated. At an optimal 5.0 wt% SiO2 loading, the surface achieved a contact angle of 166° under a Cassie–Baxter air-layer regime, minimising solid–liquid interaction to 2.57%. Electrochemical tests revealed that the Icorr value of the superhydrophobic film-coated alloy decreased from 4.32 × 10–5 to 2.04 × 10–9 A cm−2 relative to the uncoated substrate, while Rct increased from 293 to 287 kΩ cm2. After immersion in an acidic environment (pH 3.5) for 7 days, the coating maintained a low corrosion rate of ~ 2.51 × 10–5 mm year−1, confirming its long-term protective stability. These results reveal the synergistic contributions of hierarchical nano-/microstructuring and air-cushion formation in suppressing electrolyte transport, providing a scalable pathway for developing corrosion-resistant polymer nanocomposites suitable for harsh service environments.