Anti-Icing Laminate Material Using Phase Change Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterborne binder systems for outdoor facilities fail to effectively prevent ice formation or accumulation without causing environmental pollution, structural integrity issues, or excessive cost, and often introduce new problems like liquid seepage.

Innovation Solution

A laminate material comprising multiple layers with waterborne adhesives and phase change materials, elastic particles, and optional solid fillers, applied in a specific sequence to inhibit ice formation and accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surface modification or anti-icing agents are added to prevent ice formation, then ice adhesion is reduced, but environmental pollution and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice adhesion resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transition at specific temperatures to provide anti-icing function. The PCMs absorb heat during melting and release heat during freezing, preventing ice formation on the surface without requiring environmental pollutants or additional energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between ice adhesion resistance and environmental pollution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The laminate material is designed to be self-regulating through the phase change process. When temperature drops and ice formation is threatened, the PCMs automatically melt and release latent heat to maintain surface temperature above freezing point, eliminating the need for external anti-icing agents or energy consumption systems, thereby achieving both effective ice prevention and environmental friendliness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional anti-icing methods are used, then ice formation is impeded, but structural integrity and strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice formation preventionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite laminate structure consisting of multiple layers including base mat layer, sealing layers, and top layer with different functions. This composite structure distributes mechanical stresses across layers and prevents liquid seepage that could compromise structural integrity, while the integrated PCMs provide ice formation prevention without weakening the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The laminate incorporates flexible sealing layers and elastic particles that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without cracking or delaminating. This flexible multi-layer design maintains structural integrity under temperature cycling conditions while the embedded PCMs continue to provide ice formation prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-generated harmful factors

If waterborne binder systems are used for outdoor facilities, then environmental friendliness is improved, but ice formation prevention capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidice formation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the waterborne binder system with phase change materials in a multi-layer laminate structure. The waterborne adhesives provide environmental friendliness and proper adhesion, while the integrated PCMs provide the missing ice formation prevention capability. This combination allows the system to achieve both environmental friendliness and effective anti-icing performance simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The laminate material effectively delays or prevents ice and snow formation on outdoor surfaces, maintaining structural integrity while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

a base mat layer, derived from a first group of raw materials comprising a first waterborne adhesive, a gel of a first phase change material, and first elastic particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the laminate material effectively delays or prevents ice and snow formation on outdoor surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Data Source

PatentUS12571166B2Anti-icing laminate material and the use thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A unique laminate comprising a base mat layer, a first sealing layer, a second sealing layer, and a top layer is provided, wherein the unique laminate can effectively inhibit the formation or accumulation of ice or snow on the surface of a substrate while can still achieve superior structural integration and mechanical strength. The use of the laminate material and a method for inhibiting the formation or accumulation of ice or snow on the surface of a substrate are also provided.