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Robust Photothermal Icephobic Surface with Mechanical Durability of Multi-Bioinspired Structures
Maolin Zhou1, Lei Zhang1, Lieshuang Zhong1
1Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University (BUAA), Beijing, 100191, P. R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|August 5, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a durable, ice-repellent surface inspired by nature. This photothermal superhydrophobic surface effectively prevents and removes ice, showing promise for transportation and power systems in cold climates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Tribology
Background:
- Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces offer potential for anti-icing and deicing applications.
- Existing surfaces often lack mechanical durability and long-term performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust and mechanically durable photothermal icephobic surface.
- To investigate the anti-icing and deicing performance of the novel surface.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microspine array (MAHC) inspired by honeycomb and cactus thorn structures using laser-layered microfabrication.
- Mechanical durability testing via linear abrasion with a steel blade.
- Evaluation of water repellency (contact and roll-off angles), icing delay time, and photothermal deicing efficiency.
- Testing on a curved surface (copper alloy transmission line) under simulated freezing rain conditions.
Main Results:
- The MAHC demonstrated superior water repellency (contact angle 150.7°, roll-off angle 10.3°) and stable icing delay (578.2 s) after 200 abrasion cycles.
- Rapid photothermal deicing was achieved in 401 s.
- Effective anti-icing performance was observed on a curved transmission line, with freezing rain sliding off within 758 s under solar illumination.
- The bionic honeycomb structure significantly reduced stress on the microspines, enhancing mechanical durability.
Conclusions:
- The developed MAHC exhibits excellent mechanical durability, water repellency, and photothermal deicing capabilities.
- The bionic design provides a pathway for creating robust anti-icing surfaces.
- The technology shows potential for applications in transportation and power systems operating in cold environments.
