Preparation and characterisation of CeSt3-modified Zn-Ni-B4C composite superhydrophobic coatings

[Display omitted] •The WCA of the composite superhydrophobic coating is 161°.•The icorr of the superhydrophobic coating is 9.139 × 10−7 A·cm−2.•After 96 h of immersion, the corrosion resistance of the samples rebounded.•The superhydrophobic coating is mechanically stable and self-cleaning. CeSt3-modified Zn-Ni-B4C composite superhydrophobic coatings were prepared via two-step deposition. First, Zn-Ni-B4C coatings with microstructures were prepared through electrodeposition, and then cerium stearate deposited on surface successfully by electrophoretic deposition to obtain superhydrophobic coatings. The effects of electrophoretic deposition time on the hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of coatings were investigated. The coatings obtained at 10 min deposition have a water contact angle of 161°, exhibiting superior superhydrophobicity. The corrosion current density of this coatings in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution is 9.139 × 10−7 A·cm−2, demonstrating outstanding corrosion resistance. Electrochemical tests of the samples after prolonged immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution exhibited better corrosion resistance in the samples immersed for 96 h compared to those immersed for 48 h, suggesting that the existence of cerium acted as a corrosion inhibitor after the superhydrophobic coatings failed.