Durable icephobic surfaces

Abstract

Durable icephobic materials form anti-ice coatings on a variety of substrates, including for aircraft, powerlines, vehicles, marine structures, communications towers, outdoor equipment, and the like.The icephobic material may comprise an elastomeric polymer with a low crosslink density (e.g., <= 1,300 mol / m3) and low initial ice adhesion strength (e.g., [tau]ice <= 100 kPa prior to exposure to icing conditions). Further, the icephobic material maintains [tau]ice after 10 icing / deicing cycles that is >= 50% of the initial [tau]ice Introducing optional miscible liquids enhances interfacial slippage of chains in the elastomeric polymer. The low [tau]ice levels minimize ice buildup and eliminate necessary work to remove any accumulated ice via passive removal during normal operation. Other icephobic materials include linear polymers with plasticizers distributed therein or PDMS-silane coatings, both of which are free of any layers of surface liquids. Methods of making such icephobic materials are also provided.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 153,141, filed April 27, 2015. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates to durable robust icephobic materials for use on surfaces of articles that may be exposed to ice-forming conditions. Background technique [0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. [0005] Ice may form or accumulate undesirably on a variety of surfaces. Ice accumulation severely hinders many technologies. Aircraft wings, ships, commercial and residential refrigerators and freezers, and a variety of outdoor equipment including wind turbines, power lines and telecommunications towers can all experience ice accumulation in cold environments. Icing and ice formation can inhibit function to the poi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] Although some conventional coatings have been developed that provide lower ice adhesion strengths on surfaces, such coatings are not robust or durable enough to withstand outdoor elements

Furthermore, such conventional coatings experience a significant increase in ice adhesion strength after only a few icing and deicing cycles, making them impractical for long-term use as icephobic antiicing surface coatings

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