Russian scientists have developed a method to convert petroleum product waste into protective water-repellent coatings for metals. The method allows creating wear-resistant "smart" surfaces without expensive equipment and many hours of processing.
The development was carried out by specialists from Tomsk Polytechnic University. In their experiments, they worked with aluminum alloys: first, they applied micro- and nanorelief to the metal using a nanosecond laser, and then covered the surface with a carbon-containing liquid — for example, used engine oil.
After that, the sample was subjected to thermolysis at a temperature of 250–270 degrees Celsius. As a result, a hydrophobic layer formed on the metal, from which water does not spread but collects into drops and easily rolls off.
According to the scientists, the technology can work not only with waste petroleum products but also with other substances, including vegetable oils. This makes the approach cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Tests showed a high level of water repellency: the contact angle reached 169 degrees, with a superhydrophobicity threshold starting from 150 degrees. The coating also maintained stability in aggressive environments.
In the future, the technology is planned to be applied in data center cooling systems. The research results are published in the journal Surfaces and Interfaces.