Siloxane-Polymer Coating Reduces Ice Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing ice buildup on aircraft surfaces require continuous supplies of air, chemicals, or electrical power, and known non-stick coatings like polytetrafluoroethylene do not adequately reduce ice adhesion or maintain effectiveness upon repeated freezing.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linked polymer coating formed from a reactive siloxane and polyisocyanate, polyol, or polyamine is applied to surfaces, disrupting ice bonding and reducing ice adhesion, which can be used alone or incorporated into existing coatings to enhance ice-repelling properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polytetrafluoroethylene coating is applied to reduce ice adhesion, then ice adhesion is reduced, but the coating effectiveness degrades upon repeated freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system combining inorganic siloxane components with organic polyisocyanate, polyol, or polyamine components. This composite approach creates a cross-linked polymer network that integrates the low surface energy properties of siloxanes with the durability and adhesion properties of the organic polymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between initial icephobic performance and long-term durability upon repeated freezing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the coating by forming cross-linked polymer networks through chemical reactions between siloxane and polyisocyanate/polyol/polyamine components. This cross-linking transforms the coating from a simple physical coating to a chemically bonded, three-dimensional network structure that maintains its icephobic properties while significantly improving durability and resistance to degradation from repeated freezing cycles.
2Reliability
If deicing sprays or chemical applications are used to remove ice, then ice is removed from surfaces, but continuous supply of chemicals is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a passive, self-service anti-icing surface through the application of the siloxane-polymer coating. The coating provides inherent icephobic properties that prevent ice adhesion without requiring active intervention, continuous chemical supply, or external power sources. The surface essentially deices itself by preventing ice from strongly adhering in the first place, eliminating the need for continuous chemical deicing agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the anti-icing coating in advance before ice formation occurs. This preliminary action creates a protective surface layer that preemptively prevents ice adhesion, rather than requiring reactive ice removal after ice has formed. The coating is applied once to provide long-lasting protection, eliminating the need for continuous chemical applications.
3Reliability
If heated air from engine is routed to wing surface to melt ice, then ice is removed, but continuous supply of heated air is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a passive anti-icing surface that requires no continuous energy input or active systems. The siloxane-polymer coating provides inherent icephobic properties that prevent ice adhesion through its low surface energy and surface properties, eliminating the need for continuous heated air supply or active deicing systems that consume engine power.
4Reliability
If mechanical vibration or electric thumpers are used to fracture ice, then ice is removed, but continuous electrical power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a passive anti-icing surface that requires no continuous energy input. The siloxane-polymer coating provides inherent icephobic properties through its chemical composition and surface characteristics, preventing ice adhesion without requiring electrical power for thumpers, vibration systems, or other active deicing mechanisms.
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 polymer coating effectively reduces ice adhesion and formation on surfaces, maintaining durability and reducing the need for continuous power or chemical supplies, with demonstrated low ice adhesion forces and compatibility with various materials, including aerospace alloys and composites.
Implementation Method 1
it is believed that the polymer disrupts the hydrogen bonding between ice and the polymer coated surface, thereby diminishing the ability of ice to adhere to the polymer coated surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to polymers which are cross-linked reaction products of a reactive siloxane and/or a polyisocyanate and/or a polyol, a polyamine and/or reactive coating capable of reducing the ability of ice to adhere to the surface of an object, in particular aircraft or other vehicles, methods of producing the polymers and their use in coating surfaces.