Preparation of superhydrophobic nanoplate iron oxide surface on a carbon steel for anti-wetting applications

A simple route to fabricate a surface layer comprising Fe3O4 nanoplates on carbon steel has been successfully demonstrated using etching treatment followed by annealing in oxygen atmosphere. Different sizes of the (3 1 1) exposed can be fabricated varying temperature. Density Function Theory (DFT) calculation proved that energy was lowest among all facets, which make it most stable. The superhydrophobicity realized after modification with trimethoxy silane (HFTMS). Molecular dynamic simulation further carried out verify excellent anti-wettability modified surface. In addition, superhydrophobic exhibited low adhesion water and displays performance anti-corrosion, anti-icing self-cleaning.