Electroplating of non-fluorinated superhydrophobic Ni/WC/WS2 composite coatings with high abrasive resistance

Abstract Weak hierarchical rough structures on superhydrophobic surfaces hinder their practical industrial applications. This paper reports a strategy to fabricate robust nickel-based superhydrophobic coatings via the codeposition of nanosized WS 2 and WC particles. The Ni/WC/WS 2 composite coatings were synthesized on mild steel substrates by one-pot electroplating followed by the adsorption of stearic acid self-assembled monolayers to modify the surface wetting. The particle concentration in the bath was investigated and the maximum water contact angle of approx. 170° was achieved by optimizing the particle contained. Hardened by WC and lubricated by WS 2 inclusions the superhydrophobic coatings showed remarkable abrasive resistance with a bearing capacity ≥10,000 mm abrasion length. The coatings also showed aerophilic behavior and good environmental stability over >6 months.