Hygroscopic Polymer Monolayers with Ultralow Ice Adhesion Strength: Investigating Factors Influencing Ice Shedding...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Tribology

Background:

• Surface-grafted hygroscopic polymer monolayers can reduce ice adhesion strength (τ) on glass.
• Previous studies showed up to a 4-fold reduction in τ at -20 °C.
• Precise control over polymer grafting density and monolayer thickness is crucial for optimizing performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize surface-grafted hygroscopic polymer monolayers for enhanced ice shedding.
• To investigate the impact of initiator system, grafting density, and monolayer thickness on ice adhesion.
• To introduce a novel method for measuring monolayer thickness.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a new initiator system for surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
• Controlled monolayer thickness by adjusting polymerization time and monomer concentration.
• Systematically varied coating type, thickness, and grafting density.
• Introduced a novel method for monolayer thickness measurement.

Main Results:

• Achieved an unprecedented 33 ± 4 fold reduction in ice adhesion strength (τ) at -20 °C.
• Identified an optimal formulation for hygroscopic monolayers that maximizes ice shedding performance.
• Demonstrated precise control over initiator and polymer grafting densities via ATRP.

Conclusions:

• Surface-grafted hygroscopic polymer monolayers offer significant potential for ice shedding applications.
• Optimized coating formulations can drastically reduce ice adhesion, outperforming previous methods.
• Findings inform the design of next-generation self-replenishing ice-shedding surfaces.