Experimental and fluid flow simulation studies of laser-electrochemical hybrid manufacturing of micro–nano symbiotic superamphiphobic surfaces

Micro–nano symbiotic superamphiphobic surfaces can prevent liquids from adhering to metal surfaces and, as a result, improve their corrosion resistance, self-cleaning performance, pollution resistance, and ice resistance. However, the fabrication of stable and controllable micro–nano symbiotic superamphiphobic structures on metal surfaces commonly used in industry remains a significant challenge. In this study, a laser-electrochemical hybrid subtractive–additive manufacturing method was proposed and developed for preparing copper superamphiphobic surfaces. Both experimental and fluid simulation studies were carried out. Utilizing this novel hybrid method, the controllable preparation of superamphiphobic micro–nano symbiotic structures was realized. The experimental results showed that the prepared surfaces had excellent superamphiphobic properties following subsequent modification with low surface energy substances. The contact angles of water droplets and oil droplets on the surface following electrodeposition treatment reached values of 161 ± 4° and 151 ± 4°, respectively, which showed that the prepared surface possessed perfect superamphiphobicity. Both the fabrication method and the test results provided useful insights for the preparation of stable and controllable superamphiphobic structures on metal surfaces in the future.