Nano hierarchical hill-like structure with TA1 surface manufactured by LIPSS for anti-corrosion and anti-icing

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.02.075
• Publication Date: 2025-02-11T00:27:07Z
• Authors: Guolong Wang; Ji Wang; Kaijie Cheng; Kun Yang; Wenwu Zhang
• Keywords: Mining engineering. Metallurgy; Femtosecond laser induced; Corrosion resistance; TN1-997; Micro/nano structure fabrication; Superhydrophobic surfaces; Anti-icing; TA1

TA1 materials are widely utilized in aerospace, marine, and biomedical fields due to its excellent specific strength, stiffness, and stability. However, in practical engineering applications, the surface of titanium metal is easily affected by complex environments, significantly shortening its service life. Manufacturing TA1 materials with corrosion resistance and low ice adhesion remains a significant challenge. In this study, micro/nano-composite hierarchical hill-like structure (MNHHS) are etched on the surface of TA1 using femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS). The composite structure consists of micro hill arrays and surface nano hierarchical structures. We investigate the effects of laser power and scanning speed on the microstructure of the TA1 surface. On the micro hill slope, femtosecond laser induces periodic nano layered stripes (width of ∼264.9 nm, depth of ∼437 nm). At the top of the micro hill, TA1 nanospheres of different sizes (34–244 nm) are induced to form. With soaking in trimethoxy silane-isopropanol solution, the stable superhydrophobic micro/nano structure has been successfully prepared, achieving an average contact angle (CA) of up to 161° and an average sliding angle (SA) of only 2.9°. This structure is verified to improve corrosion resistance and achieve delayed icing effects, with an ice adhesion strength of 50 kPa. Its anti-corrosion has long-term durability. Given its performance advantages in hydrochloric acid environments and low-temperature conditions, this research is expected to significantly enhance the application of TA1 materials in polar navigation, marine engineering, aerospace, and other fields.