Corrosion Resistance and Formation Mechanism of Anodic Oxidation–Organic Structure Super‐Hydrophobic Self‐Assembled Film

Abstract In this article, the perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS) is used as a low surface energy substance to self‐assemble in Al₂O₃ surface to prepare a corrosion‐resistant composite film by anodization and self‐assembly technology. The morphology, structure, wettability, and chemical composition of the composite film are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, water contact angle, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The corrosion resistance of the composite film is tested through electrochemical test and the neutral salt spray test, and various pollution simulations are performed to test the self‐cleaning performance of the film. The formation mechanism of the film is discussed by quantum chemical calculations. The results show that compared with Al alloy, the AC impedance of the composite film is increased by five orders of magnitude, the corrosion current density is reduced by three orders of magnitude, and the neutral salt spray corrosion test reaches 31 days. Meanwhile, theoretical studies of quantum chemical calculations show that Al₂O₃/POTS film is adsorbed on the surface of Al alloys through SiOAl chemical bonds. This work puts forward scientific viewpoints and novel design concepts to create effective anti‐corrosion coatings to protect Al alloys, and then expand its potential applications in other fields.