Investigation of Fabrication Method and Performance of Hydrophobic Brass Surface Prepared by Laser-chemical Surface Functionalization

FU Jiajun; LUO Tianyu; ZHAO Runhan; WANG Qinghua

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.21.005

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Surface Technology ›› 2025, Vol. 54 ›› Issue (21) : 74-86. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.21.005

Special Topic—Design and Applications of Hierarchical Surface Structure Exhibiting Superwettability

Investigation of Fabrication Method and Performance of Hydrophobic Brass Surface Prepared by Laser-chemical Surface Functionalization

FU Jiajun, LUO Tianyu, ZHAO Runhan, WANG Qinghua^*

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Abstract

Metallic materials play a crucial role in the engineering and industrial sectors. Endowing them with hydrophobic properties can further expand their applications and solve the limitations of some applications caused by their own properties. At present, many research works have been carried out on the laser-based surface modification processes for various metallic materials, which could help to achieve superhydrophobic properties. However, most studies merely employ single post-treatment method, and the influence of different post-treatment methods on the functionalization characteristics of the surface still holds certain research significance. In addition, it is necessary to investigate the wettability of different liquids on hydrophobic surface to further expand the application of metallic materials in various fields. In this work, nanosecond laser processing technology is used to texture micro/nano-scale grooves on H62 brass. Furthermore, combined with heat treatment or chemical treatment for low surface energy modification, a superhydrophobic brass surface with abundant micro/nano structures is prepared. The contact angles of this surface for deionized water, glycerol and ethylene glycol are as high as (155.6±0.7)°, (152.0±0.6)° and (139.5±0.9)° respectively, demonstrating excellent hydrophobicity. The effects of different combinations of laser processing parameters on the surface morphology and surface wettability are evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy, and the optimal processing parameters for preparing the surface of hydrophobic brass is determined. The scanning speed has a more significant impact on the secondary microstructure of the surface. A low scanning speed leads to excessive ablation of the surface, causing the destruction of the surface structure with papillary particles that should exist originally. A high scanning speed results in insufficient ablation, making the entire surface relatively flat with only low-depth ablation marks. The mechanism of surface chemistry transition by different post-treatment methods is analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). A large number of polar hydrophilic groups are deposited on the surface of brass due to the reaction of oxidation, resulting in superhydrophilicity. At this time, the surface exhibits the Wenzel state. After heat treatment or chemical treatment, the content of C element on the surface increases significantly. Moreover, some hydrophobic groups (such as —CH₂—, —CH₃) are gradually deposited on the surface, resulting in a significant reduction in surface energy and the surface wettability is transformed from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity. This elucidates the influence mechanism of surface chemistry on surface wettability. Meanwhile, the results of anti-icing experiment show that both post-treatment methods significantly enhance the anti-icing ability of the brass surface. The freezing time of the surface treated by laser heat treatment reaches 390 s, which is 12 times compared with that of the untreated surface. In the meantime, the freezing time of the surface treated by laser chemical treatment is 887 s, which is 21 times compared with that of the untreated surface. In addition, the melting time of ice droplets during warming up is shorter than that of the untreated surface, and they can still maintain good hydrophobic properties after melting. This work can effectively prepare superhydrophobic brass surface with excellent anti-icing properties, providing a theoretical basis and process guidance for the preparation of hydrophobic metallic surfaces.

Key words

laser processing / H62 brass / superhydrophobic / micro/nano structures and chemistry / anti-freezing

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FU Jiajun, LUO Tianyu, ZHAO Runhan, WANG Qinghua. Investigation of Fabrication Method and Performance of Hydrophobic Brass Surface Prepared by Laser-chemical Surface Functionalization[J]. Surface Technology. 2025, 54(21): 74-86 https://doi.org/10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.21.005

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