Robust icephobic coating based on the spiky fluorinated Al₂O₃ particles.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing surfaces with both omniphobic and icephobic properties is crucial for various applications.
• Hierarchical surface structures combined with chemical modifications can enhance surface functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and characterize omniphobic and icephobic twin-scale surfaces.
• To investigate the stability of the Cassie wetting state on these novel surfaces.
• To evaluate the anti-icing performance and durability of the developed surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of "urchin"-like fluorinated Al2O3 particles.
• Surface characterization of hierarchical topography and fluorination.
• Measurement of apparent contact angles and contact angle hysteresis.
• Assessment of Cassie wetting state stability.
• Evaluation of ice crystallization delay and droplet removal efficiency.
• Testing of surface property restoration after heating and thawing.

Main Results:

• The twin-scale surfaces exhibited high apparent contact angles and low contact angle hysteresis.
• A stable Cassie air-trapping wetting state was achieved.
• A significant delay in ice crystallization (up to [Formula: see text] min) was observed compared to control surfaces.
• Water droplets could be removed with a low air jet velocity ([Formula: see text] m/s).
• Heated surfaces fully restored their omniphobic and icephobic properties after thawing.

Conclusions:

• Hierarchical topography and fluorination effectively impart omniphobic and icephobic properties.
• The developed surfaces demonstrate high stability and excellent anti-icing performance.
• These surfaces offer a promising solution for applications requiring robust water and ice repellency.