Hydrophobic Boron Nitride Nanoflower Coatings on Mild Steel Surfaces

Aamir Nadeem, Muhammad Faheem Maqsood*, Mohsin Ali Raza*, Syed Muhammad Zain Mehdi, Shahbaz Ahmad

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Growing demand for chemically resistant, thermally stable, and anti-icing coatings has intensified interest in boron nitride (BN)-based materials and surface coatings. In this study, BN coatings were developed on mild steel (MS) via chemical vapour deposition (CVD) at 1200 °C for 15, 30, and 60 min, and their structural, surface, and water-repellent characteristics were evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of BN, while water contact angle measurements indicated high hydrophobicity, demonstrating excellent barrier properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed morphological evolution from flower- and needle-like BN structures in the sample placed in the CVD furnace for 15 min to dense, coral-like, and tubular networks in the samples placed for 30 and 60 min. These findings highlight that BN coatings, particularly the one obtained after 30 min of deposition, have a high hydrophobic character following the Cassie–Baxter model and can be used for corrosion resistance and anti-icing on MS, making them ideal for industrial applications requiring long-lasting protection.

Original languageEnglish
Article number42
Number of pages12
JournalSurfaces
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2025
Externally publishedYes

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