The Effect of Micro-column Structure on Surface Wettability of Aluminum Alloy

The superhydrophobicity of solid surfaces is primarily dependent on low surface energy and surface microstructure. In order to prepare a low-wetting surface, a micro-column array was constructed on the surface of aluminum by micro-milling and grinding, and the influence of the square-column structure on the surface wettability of the material was analyzed. Milling will cause burrs on the surface of the square column. Under the joint action of the square columns and the burrs on the surface, the contact angle of the material surface increased from 50.3° to 98.4°. After grinding, the burr on the surface of the square column disappears, but the irregular secondary groove structure is formed at the top of the groove, which further improves the contact angle of the surface of the test piece (127.8°). On the whole, the construction of the micro-column structure enhances the hydrophobic properties of the aluminum alloy surface. The micro-grinding square column structure can further realize the transition of the wettability of the aluminum alloy surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, and the contact state of the water droplet on the surface thereof is in the transition state of Wenzel and Cassie.