Superhydrophobic HNTs-TiN-SA Composite Coating with Excellent Corrosion Resistance and Anti-Icing/Deicing Capabilities

Abstract

Abstract Superhydrophobic coatings have broad application prospects due to their advantages such as self-cleaning, antifouling, anti-icing, and deicing. However, traditional superhydrophobic coatings contain fluorine-containing components, which pose environmental and health risks. Developing fluorine-free stable superhydrophobic coatings with multifunctionality and environmental friendliness remains a challenge. In this paper, stearic acid was used to modify the surface of titanium nitride and halloysite nanotube micronanoparticles connected by tetraethyl orthosilicate, and an epoxy resin was used as the matrix to prepare a fluorine-free multifunctional superhydrophobic coating via a one-step spraying method. The wettability, chemical and mechanical stability, photothermal performance, low-temperature anti-icing behavior, and corrosion resistance were systematically evaluated. The results indicate that the coating exhibits a water contact angle of 161.2° and a sliding angle of only 1.3°; it can withstand immersion in acid, alkali, and salt solutions as well as repeated mechanical abrasion and possesses good environmental adaptability. Under near-infrared light, the surface temperature of the coating can rapidly rise to 111.1 °C; in an environment of −25 °C, the icing delay time can reach 270 s, and photothermal deicing can be completed within 90 s. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests show that the coating has an initial low-frequency impedance of 1.48 × 1010 Ω·cm2 in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution, and it remains at 6.89 × 108 Ω·cm2 after 30 days of immersion. In summary, fluorine-free composite coatings provide a feasible approach for long-term corrosion protection and anti-icing protection of metal components, with significant research value and engineering application potential.