A durable anti-corrosion superhydrophobic coating based on carbon nanotubes and SiO2 aerogel for superior protection for Q235 steel

Given the complex preparation process of traditional superhydrophobic coatings, insufficient durability, and anti-corrosion performance, this paper uses epoxy resin as film-forming material, carbon nanotubes, and silica aerogel as fillers, and prepares a multi- functional superhydrophobic coating on Q235 steel. Contact angle measuring instrument, Scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and other instruments were used to characterize the coatings, and the corrosion resistance and antifouling properties of the coatings were studied. The results show that the prepared coatings have excellent superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 167 ± 1.3° and a sliding angle of 3.8 ± 0.5°. The mechanical properties of the coatings were improved by the addition of nanoparticles and their superhydrophobicity was maintained after 1000 abrasion cycles. The corrosion current density of the coating is about 4.64 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 , which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the Q235 steel plate, and the corrosion inhibition efficiency reaches 98.6 %. Multiple data suggest that this fabrication process is developable, providing a new avenue for fabricating multifunctional superhydrophobic coatings. • The coating exhibited outstanding self-cleaning ability and durability. • The coating has excellent corrosion resistance. • Superhydrophobic coatings were prepared by spraying at room temperature. • Aerogel is used as an alternative to general nanoparticles and showed outstanding performance.