Fabrication of cerium myristate coating for a mechanochemically robust modifier-free superwettability system to enhance the corrosion resistance on 316L steel by one-step electrodeposition

Abstract Redundant deposits formation on steel through interaction with liquids is an integral problem that results the reduction in function and durability. Here, we report a new method to form a modifier-free durable superhydrophobic and highly anti-corrosive surface by one-step electrodeposition method. Surface morphologies, chemical composition and wettability characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and optical contact angle measurements, respectively. The highest average water contact angle (CA) 167.7 ± 2.4° on fabricated surface achieved numerically and experimentally. The phase-field simulation for transient evolution of water droplet performed for superhydrophobic surface revealed that the rate of contact angle increase is greater at beginning and smaller at the equilibrium state. Superwetting surfaces exhibit enhancement of corrosion resistance based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Tafel polarization curves and shear abrasion tests with excellent mechanical durability. Furthermore, the characteristics of as-fabricated mechanically durable and the stabilization of chemicals on the surface were observed. This work gives a new pathway to attain chemically and mechanically stable, eco-friendly, and corrosive-resistant superhydrophobic coating with low surface energy hydrophobicity index (βs = −0.937) on steel 316L and should have a reassuring future in increasing range of industrial applications.