ABSTRACT
Self-cleaning coatings are gaining popularity because of their variety of applications, great durability, and low maintenance. Coatings like these are important because they offer protection against corrosion, smearing, icing, and fouling. These coatings have gained significant attraction as a viable option for protecting steel pipelines. The purpose of this chapter is to present a critical analysis of the recently developed superhydrophobic coatings for steel pipelines, with specific attention paid to their potential uses in the oil and gas industries. In the beginning, the fundamental idea of wettability is explained, and then the various physical models that govern the various types of wettability conditions are broken down and clarified. Then, a discussion on the several approaches that can be utilized to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings as well as the current findings from research on the various approaches have been done. Current uses and future trends of these superhydrophobic coatings for corrosion prevention, de-icing, and anti-biofouling treatments are also explored in detail.
