Icephobic Polymer Coatings

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Track Code 2014-022, 2014-010 Short Description A cost-effective, scalable and durable polymer-based icephobic coating for a variety of applications that encounter ice accumulation. Abstract Unique formulations have been developed to provide durable and lowmaintenance coatings which when applied to surfaces result in icephobic,superhydrophobic self-cleaning characteristics. Tags epoxy, roll to roll, ice adhesion, lotus effect, nanoscale, microscale, PDMS, polymer, icephobic, superhydrophobic Posted Date Jan 19, 2016 2:16 PM Background   Surface buildup of ice due to ice adhesion has become a major problem for a wide variety of structures and equipment utilized in cold environments, such as wind turbines, power lines, aircrafts, naval vehicles, and buildings. This ice accretion leads to large costs associated with ice removal with existing technology, inefficient operation, aerodynamic instabilities, and safety hazards. Superhydrophobic coatings, which are based on the “Lotus Effect” and have a contact angle of 150° or greater, have been developed as a passive method to remove ice buildup. However, these coatings are fragile and can be easily removed from surfaces. A durable and low maintenance coating that is effective against ice accretion is needed. Technology   UMass Lowell researchers have developed novel method and formulations for fabricating a superhydrophobic structure with a contact angle greater than 160°, termed an icephobic structure. Several ASTM testing has been done to confirm its durability. This formulation can be applied to the surface using various known methods. While, spray or dip coating can be used with this formulation, roll to roll process can also be utilized to coat large surface areas. The structure utilizes hierarchical micro/nanoscale features for roughness to achieve the icephobic nature of the surface. This fabricated structure is then used as a template to replicate an icephobic surface structure in a secondary polymer substrate, such as thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. A roll to roll, or stamping, process is employed using a stamp composed of PDMS elastomer to imprint the icephobic structure in the secondary polymer substrate, making it more durable than existing superhydrophobic coatings. The roll to roll process can be applied to large areas to scale up the icephobic coating size. Testing   ASTM 3359-09 Cross-Hatch Tape Testing ASTM D4060 Taber Abrasion Test Wind Tunnel Testing (120 mph) Competitive Advantages   Roll to roll fabrication process is scalable to large areas. Durable and sustainable coating. Easy application process of the coatings. Applications   Automotive parts. Aircraft wings. Roofing of buildings. Wind turbines. Pipelines. Power lines. Market Potential   These icephobic coatings are adaptable to a variety of developing applications. The “Hydrophobic Coatings and Surfaces: 2016-2023” report from the NanoMarkets Company n-tech Research projects the market for hydrophobic materials used for self-cleaning, de-icing, anti-fouling and anticorrosion applications will grow to $1.8 billion by 2021.