Design and performance assessment of a biomimetic superhydrophobic coating for anti-adhesion applications on X65 steel

Addressing the urgent need to mitigate pipeline obstruction caused by natural gas hydrate adhesion we present a novel approach utilizing a spin coating/spray coating technique to develop an effective anti-adhesion coating. Drawing inspiration from the three-layer structure of cat claws, this coating was meticulously characterized alongside modified nanoparticles using XRD , XPS, SEM , and AFM. Assessment of cyclopentane hydrate adhesion employed micromechanical force technique, while the stability of the coating underwent rigorous scrutiny through sand washing tests. Additionally, the proportion of the buffer layer was fine-tuned using Abaqus finite element simulation software. Furthermore, electrochemical methods were employed to evaluate the coating's corrosion resistance . Moreover, we propose a molecular dynamics model for the developed TBPC coating, dissecting its anti-adhesion and anti-corrosion properties. Comparative analysis revealed a remarkable 99.2 % reduction in adhesion force compared to the bare steel surface of X65. Following a 70-day immersion in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the impedance value was measured at 5.5 × 10 6  Ω·cm 2 . Notably, the coating exhibited exceptional superhydrophobic characteristics, with a contact angle of 166.4° and a rolling angle of 6.9° under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. This innovative strategy promises to enhance pipeline hydrodynamic efficiency, reduce energy consumption and ensure the safe transport of hydrates.