Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
06:57
Study of a Dot-patterning Process on Flexible Materials using Impact Print-Type Hot Embossing Technology
Published on: April 6, 2020
6.3K
Achieving Large-Area Hot Embossing of Anti-Icing Functional Microstructures Based on a Multi-Arc Ion-Plating Mold.
Xiaoliang Wang1, Han Luo1, Hongpeng Jiang1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 16, 2025
Summary
This study developed a new hot embossing method using a PVD-coated mold to create large-area anti-icing microstructures on aluminum alloys. This technique significantly improves microstructure filling and enhances anti-icing properties for aerospace applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Tribology
Background:
- Aluminum alloy surface microstructures offer functional properties like hydrophobicity and anti-icing.
- These microstructures are crucial for applications in aerospace and power systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the filling quality of microstructures during hot embossing.
- To verify and improve the anti-icing properties of aluminum alloy surfaces.
- To develop a large-area hot embossing scheme for functional microstructures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multi-arc ion-plating mold for hot embossing.
- Employed PVD-coated steel punches to improve mold hardness, reduce friction, and enhance wear resistance.
- Optimized embossing temperature to 300 °C for complete micro-array channel filling.
Main Results:
- PVD-coated punch-assisted embossing significantly improved filling properties compared to conventional methods.
- Achieved large-area (100 cm²) micro-channel specimens without warping, with an average surface roughness (Ra) better than 0.8 µm.
- Reduced maximum freezing fraction by 53.2% and delayed complete freezing time by 193.3% due to trapped air layers in hydrophobic structures.
Conclusions:
- The developed PVD-coated mold hot embossing scheme effectively produces large-area anti-icing microstructures.
- The trapped air layer in hydrophobic microstructures effectively hinders heat loss, enhancing anti-icing performance.
- This method offers a viable solution for creating functional surfaces in demanding applications.
