Study on the corrosion resistance and antibiofouling performance of mortars with slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces based on fine coral powder

Abstract

The anti-corrosion and antibiofouling properties of superhydrophobic surfaces deteriorate with prolonged water immersion. To address this issue, this study introduces slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) to enhance these properties in mortars. The mortar surface is treated with fine coral powder featuring micro/nano structures and low surface energy, enabling it to serve as a reservoir for silicone oil storage. Electrochemical tests revealed that SLIPS based on fine coral powder improved the corrosion resistance of the mortar. The silicone oil stored in the porous structure of the coral powder provides excellent mechanical stability to SLIPS, thereby maintaining the long-term antibiofouling performance of the mortar. This mechanically stable mortar with SLIPS is expected to be highly suitable for marine structural engineering applications, thereby enhancing both anti-corrosion and antifouling properties.