Femtosecond laser manufacturing superhydrophobic surfaces of aluminum alloy and its wettability properties

Abstract

Driven by the lightweight and anti-corrosion demands of aluminum alloys in aerospace and new energy vehicles, ultrafast laser texturing was employed to induce superhydrophobic surfaces on aluminum alloy sheets. By adjusting laser scanning intervals, periodic square pyramid micro/nano hierarchical structures were constructed. Surface morphology was tested by the LSCM and SEM, and wettability was evaluated via water contact angle. Results show that uniform cone-like microstructures covered with nanoparticles and nano-wrinkles were formed. The scanning interval significantly regulated surface morphology and roughness. At a 60 μm interval, the surface achieved the maximum WCA of 150.3° and excellent superhydrophobicity. This work provides a green, high-precision, and industrially compatible method for preparing durable superhydrophobic aluminum alloy surfaces, with great potential for anti-icing, anti-corrosion, and self-cleaning applications.