Probing the Stability of Superhydrophobic (SHP) Silane Coating on Anodized Ti Substrate Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscope (KPFM)

The present work aims at probing the stability of superhydrophobic (SHP) silane coating on anodized Ti substrate in different environmental conditions using Kelvin probe force microscope (KPFM) technique. The measurements were carried out for anodized silane-coated SHP Ti samples before and after exposure to UV light and flowing water systems. The KPFM mapping results (surface potential measurements) revealed that the SHP silane coating from anodized Ti surface was partially removed after exposure to the UV light and flowing water system. Moreover, reduction in surface roughness and contact angle was observed after exposure resulting in the conversion of the sample surface from SHP to hydrophobic condition indicating the stability of the coating in the aggressive environments. The results clearly showed that the SHP silane-coated Ti is highly suitable for applications in cooling water system.