Icephobic Coating for Aircraft Fuel Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deicing methods for aircraft are temporary and do not effectively prevent ice accumulation on internal components, such as fuel filters, which can disrupt engine performance, and existing coatings lack permanent ice-repelling properties.
Innovation Solution
A coating composition comprising an epoxy resin, a fluoro-substituted poly(alkyl siloxane) resin, and a solvent mixture with specific Hansen solubility parameters, applied to form a permanent icephobic coating that inhibits ice formation and prevents adhesive adhesion, with a gradient composition providing high temperature and chemical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deicing fluid is applied to remove ice and snow, then ice accumulation is removed, but the coating is temporary and surfaces must be recoated each time icing conditions are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating by using fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (FPOSS) prepolymer with specific molecular structure and composition. This chemical parameter change transforms the temporary deicing fluid into a permanent icephobic coating that provides lasting protection against ice accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining FPOSS prepolymer with polyisocyanate and/or polysiloxane, polyol, polyamine, or reactive coating to form a crosslinked polymer system. This composite approach creates a durable coating that maintains its ice-repelling properties over extended periods while adhering to the substrate.
2Ease of operation
If deicing fluid is sprayed onto the external surface of the aircraft, then ice is removed from external surfaces, but internal parts that can also be susceptible to icing are not protected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the icephobic coating to multiple components including external surfaces, internal parts, fuel filters, manifolds, and valves. This universal application approach ensures comprehensive protection against icing across all aircraft components, making the system adaptable to various locations and configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If ice accumulates on aircraft fuel filter, then the filter can be cleaned, but ice accumulation interrupts or adversely affects the performance of the aircraft engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the icephobic coating to fuel filters and related components before icing conditions occur. This preliminary protective action prevents ice accumulation on the filter surface, thereby maintaining engine performance and avoiding the need for emergency maintenance or filter replacement due to icing.
4Reliability
If a coating is made hydrophobic or hydrophilic, then water repulsion or absorption is achieved, but the coated article will absorb water or act as a coalescer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a coating with specific local properties by using fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane that provides icephobicity without extreme hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity. This localized quality control ensures the coating sheds ice effectively while avoiding unwanted water absorption or coalescing effects that could harm the underlying substrate.
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 coating effectively sheds ice and prevents its formation on aircraft surfaces, including internal components, offering a permanent solution that maintains performance and reduces weight by eliminating the need for additional ice-holding capacity.
Implementation Method 1
capable of reducing the ability of ice to adhere to the surface of an object
Implementation Method 2
an epoxy resin comprising poly(phenyl glycidyl ether)-co-formaldehyde and a curing agent
Implementation Method 3
a solvent mixture comprising (i) a first solvent with Hansen solubility parameters of 14 ≤ δ D ≤ 17, 6 ≤ δ P ≤ 13, and 4 ≤ δ H ≤ 8; and (ii) a second solvent with Hansen solubility parameters of 16 ≤ δ D ≤ 19, 4 ≤ δ P ≤ 9, and 11 ≤ δ H ≤ 15
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
Provided is an icephobic coating composition comprising an epoxy resin comprising poly(phenyl glycidyl ether)-co-formaldehyde and a curing agent; a fluoro-substituted poly(alkyl siloxane) resin; and a solvent mixture comprising a first solvent with Hansen solubility parameters of 14 ≤ δD ≤ 17, 6 ≤ δP ≤ 13, and 4 ≤ δH ≤ 8; and a second solvent with Hansen solubility parameters of 16 ≤ δD ≤ 19, 4 ≤ δP ≤ 9, and 11 ≤ δH ≤ 15. Further provided is a coated filter comprising a porous medium having an upstream surface and a downstream surface, in which at least the upstream surface has a coating formed from the coating composition. Coated articles and methods of forming coated articles and inhibiting ice formation also are described.