Fabrication and Corrosion Resistance of Methyl‐Modified, Fluorine‐Free Superhydrophobic Coatings

To improve the environmental compatibility of superhydrophobic coatings, this study introduces a new fluorine‐free option using methyl modification and micro/nanostructural engineering. Nano‐Al 2 O 3 particles are modified with methyl agents to create fluorine‐free superhydrophobic particles. These particles are then blended with epoxy resin E44 and sprayed onto Q235B carbon steel surfaces, forming a reliable, eco‐riendly coating. Characterization methods indicate that the coating features a micro/nano hierarchical structure and abundant low surface‐energy groups. The prepared coating exhibits a static contact angle of 155.2°, and self‐cleaning tests demonstrate its effectiveness in removing surface contaminants. Electrochemical analyses and neutral salt spray tests show the coating's excellent ability to enhance corrosion resistance. Compared to bare steel, the coating exhibits no significant changes after 168 h of salt spray exposure. The impedance modulus and charge transfer resistance increase by two orders of magnitude, achieving a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 99.73% and reducing the corrosion rate from 2.17 to 0.01 mm a −1 . Additionally, the coating retains its superhydrophobic properties even after 100 sandpaper abrasion cycles and 40 tape peeling cycles, demonstrating its mechanical durability. This study presents a new approach to creating environmentally friendly, fluorine‐free superhydrophobic coatings and demonstrates their effectiveness in protecting metal substrates.