Fluorine-Free Diatomite-Based Composite Multifunctional Anti/Deicing Coatings via Molecular Structure Synergistic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Ice formation critically impacts infrastructure safety and operational efficiency.
• Existing anti-icing solutions like superhydrophobic surfaces and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) face limitations such as performance degradation and lubricant loss.
• There is a need for durable, fluorine-free anti-icing materials with improved performance and simpler fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fluorine-free multifunctional composite anti-icing coating using synergistic molecular interaction and structure regulation.
• To address challenges of lubricant loss and performance degradation in conventional anti-icing materials.
• To create a scalable and practical anti-icing solution with combined photothermal and slippery properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite coating using porous diatomite as an oil carrier, epoxy resin as a matrix, silicone oil as a lubricant, and carbon nanotubes for photothermal properties.
• Utilizing a scalable room-temperature spraying process.
• In-situ formation of a hierarchical micronano rough structure via physical adsorption and chemical anchoring during curing, ensuring stable adhesion and lubricant retention.

Main Results:

• The coating achieved a superhydrophobic state with a contact angle of 109.2° and a low sliding angle of 7°.
• The composite coating demonstrated efficient photothermal capabilities, elevating surface temperature by over 30 °C within 200 seconds under 1.0 sun.
• Under -25 °C conditions, preformed ice layers and frost melted within 140 and 220 seconds, respectively, showcasing active-passive anti-icing efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The developed fluorine-free composite coating offers excellent hydrophobicity, antiadhesion, self-cleaning, and photothermal anti-icing performance.
• The synergistic effects of photothermal heating and surface slipperiness provide an efficient and durable anti-icing mechanism.
• This coating presents a practical and robust solution for industrial applications requiring reliable anti-icing capabilities.