Enhancement of superhydrophobicity in Ni-WS2-PTFE composite coatings via magnetic coupling electrodeposition

Superhydrophobic coatings are renowned for their self-cleaning and water-repellent properties, making them increasingly valuable in industrial and consumer applications. Despite their widespread adoption, further enhancement of superhydrophobic performance remains a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to enhance the superhydrophobic capabilities of a composite coating by electrodepositing a Ni-WS 2 -PTFE composite coating under an applied magnetic field, notably improving its hydrophobic properties. The coupling of magnetic and electric fields induces a reorganization of the crystalline phase of nanoparticles within the plating solution, directly influencing the hydrophobicity of the composite coating. The water contact angle of the obtained Ni-WS2-PTFE composite coating reached 154°, with a minimum sliding angle of 4°. The coating also demonstrated excellent hydrophobic performance in both acid-base and weight-loss tests. After four weeks of immersion in a 3.5 % NaCl solution, the composite coating retained a corrosion resistance efficiency of 95 %. Magnetic fields play a beneficial role in the preparation of superhydrophobic coatings. While coatings produced through electrodeposition alone are not inherently superhydrophobic, the introduction of magnetic fields during the process imparts these desirable properties.