Facile Formation of Biomimetic Color-Tuned Superhydrophobic Magnesium Alloy with Corrosion Resistance

Researchers in Nagoya, Japan, have developed a novel method to create color-tuned magnesium alloy with antimicrobial properties and damping capacity. By immersing magnesium alloy AZ31 in ultrapure water at 120 degrees C, the team successfully created vertically self-aligned nano- and microsheets that resulted in a range of colors, including orange, green, and orchid, depending on the immersion time. The color-tuned magnesium alloy demonstrated excellent corrosion resistance and damping capacity, making it a promising material for various industrial applications.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers in Nagoya, Japan, have developed a chemical-free method to create color-tuned magnesium alloy with anticorrosive properties and damping capacity.
• The color-tuned magnesium alloy was formed by immersing magnesium alloy AZ31 in ultrapure water at 120 degrees C, resulting in vertically self-aligned nano- and microsheets.
• The color expression changed from silver with metallic luster to specific colors such as orange, green, and orchid, depending on the immersion time.
• The color-tuned magnesium alloy showed anticorrosive performance and damping capacity, making it a promising material for industrial applications.
• The researchers modified the colored surface with minute surface textures using n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODS), leading to the formation of color-tuned superhydrophobic surfaces.
• The color-tuned superhydrophobic magnesium alloy demonstrated high hydrophobicity not just for pure water but also for corrosive liquids, such as acidic, basic, and some aqueous salt solutions.
• The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D 3359-02 cross cut tape test was performed to investigate the adhesion of the color-tuned superhydrophobic film to the magnesium alloy surface, showing excellent adhesion.

Statistics:

• Temperature of the water used for immersion: 120 degrees C
• Time of immersion: Dependent on the color expression, ranging from a few minutes to several hours
• Number of colors observed: At least four different colors, including orange, green, and orchid
• Corrosion resistance: Excellent, as demonstrated by electrochemical potentiodynamic measurements
• Hydrophobicity: High, not just for pure water but also for corrosive liquids such as acidic, basic, and some aqueous salt solutions
• Adhesion: Excellent, as demonstrated by the ASTM standard D 3359-02 cross cut tape test

Sources:

• T. Ishizaki, et al. "Facile Formation of Biomimetic Color-Tuned Superhydrophobic Magnesium Alloy with Corrosion Resistance." Langmuir, 2011;27(6):2375-2381.
• National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Materials Research Institute Sustainable Development, Moriyama Ku, 2266-98 Anagahora, Nagoya, Aichi 4638560, JAPAN.
• American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA.